Fin's Fish Guide
The Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 229 cm.
Description
The humphead wrasse is the largest wrasse in the world and occurs in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands. It can grow to over 2 metres and live some thirty years. Adults are olive-green to blue-green with fine wavy lines on the head and body, thick lips and a prominent hump on the forehead. It lives on steep outer reefs down to 100 metres and eats hard-shelled prey, including toxic animals such as sea hares, pufferfish and crown-of-thorns starfish. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite and, because of overfishing, is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List; it is covered by CITES Appendix II. Its flesh may carry ciguatera.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Humphead wrasse?
The Humphead wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern. Largest wrasse in the world; hump on the forehead and thick lips; eats poisonous prey; CITES Appendix II Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Humphead wrasse live?
The Humphead wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Humphead wrasse get?
The Humphead wrasse grows to a maximum of about 229 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Humphead wrasse dangerous to humans?
The Humphead wrasse is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fish does not bite, but its flesh may carry ciguatera: after eating it, seek medical help if tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms or muscle pain appear; preferably avoid eating large reef fish from risk areas.
Is the Humphead wrasse edible?
Yes, the Humphead wrasse is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cheilinus
More from the family Labridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Humphead wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.