Napoleon wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Sighting evidence at Wasini Channel, Diani / Shimoni
Photo: David Roche · CC BY-NC
The channel's resident napoleon wrasse are among the largest individuals on the Kenyan coast, reaching 1.5 m and bearing the characteristic steep forehead and fleshy lips of mature males. They are one of the few reef fish able to consume toxic sea hares and crown-of-thorns starfish, making them ecologically irreplaceable. Listed as endangered globally due to the live reef fish trade, Kisite-Mpunguti's protection has allowed adults to reach ages rarely seen elsewhere on the East African coast.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Napoleon wrasse is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.