Napoleon wrasse

Photo: David Roche · CC BY-NC

Among the largest bony fish on coral reefs, male Napoleon wrasse (also called humphead wrasse) can reach 2 metres and are unmistakable: a steep forehead hump, thick fleshy lips, and vivid blue-green patterning. They feed on hard-shelled invertebrates including sea urchins and crown-of-thorns starfish, playing an important regulatory role on reefs. Solitary and slow-moving, they are often habituated to divers at popular sites. Endangered globally due to targeted fishing for the live reef food fish trade.