Fin's Fish Guide
The Maori wrasse (Cheilinus trilobatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The tripletail wrasse is a robust wrasse of the family Labridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a greenish to red-brown body; the tail of adult males has three trailing lobes, to which the name refers. Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs at 1 to over 30 metres and are fairly common along shallow reef margins with good coral cover. As a predator it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins with powerful jaws. Like many wrasses it changes sex during life, from female to male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Maori wrasse?
The Maori wrasse has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Males have a tail with three trailing lobes; crushes hard-shelled prey, changes sex.
Where does the Maori wrasse live?
The Maori wrasse lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; lagoon and seaward coral reefs.
How big does the Maori wrasse get?
The Maori wrasse grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Maori wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Maori wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Maori wrasse edible?
The Maori wrasse is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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
Want the complete picture on the Maori wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Maori wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.