Species learning profile
Humphead wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indo-Pacific. Large adults develop a prominent forehead hump and maze-like facial lines.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Récif
- Longueur maximale
- 229 cm
- Répartition
- Indo-Pacifique
- Famille
- Labridae
- Ordre
- Labriformes
Observe
How to identify Humphead wrasse
- Large adults develop a prominent forehead hump and maze-like facial lines.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Indo-Pacific.
- Reported maximum length: 229 cm — a genuinely giant fish. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Indo-Pacific. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Roams large reef territories by day
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
Ecological role
A powerful predator of crown-of-thorns starfish.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Humphead wrasse peut atteindre environ 229 cm et vit souvent près de Récif.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Humphead wrasse in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections