Napoleon Wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Sighting evidence at Blue Hole, Kosrae
Photo: David Roche · CC BY-NC
Napoleon wrasse are regularly encountered at the Blue Hole's rim and on the shallow reef plateau above it, a sign of the healthy ecosystem that Kosrae's protections have produced — this species is severely depleted at most Indo-Pacific sites due to targeted fishing for the live-reef-food-fish trade. At Kosrae they approach divers with curiosity, sometimes hovering within arm's reach while inspecting bubbles. Their large, scarred foreheads bear the marks of decades of growth, suggesting genuinely old individuals that have never been harassed.
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.