Napoleon wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Sighting evidence at Pange Sandbank, Zanzibar Island
Photo: David Roche · CC BY-NC
A large resident napoleon wrasse, named "Napoleon" by local operators, has patrolled the Pange reef for over a decade and is comfortable approaching divers within arm's reach. As one of the largest bony fish on the reef, reaching 190 cm, it plays an irreplaceable ecological role consuming prey that no other fish can tackle — including sea urchins, crown-of-thorns starfish, and toxic boxfish. Its charismatic boldness makes it the signature encounter at Pange and a powerful ambassador for Zanzibar's conservation message.
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.