Napoleon Wrasse

The humphead wrasse is the largest extant member of the family Labridae. Males, typically larger than females, are capable of reaching up to 229 centimetres (90 in) and weighing up to 191 kilograms (421 lb), but the average length tends to be around 60 centimetres (24 in). Females rarely grow larger than one meter. This species can be easily identified by its large size, thick lips, two black lines behind its eyes, and the hump on the foreheads of larger adults. Its color can vary between olive to more vibrant shades of green and purplish-blue, with a pattern of yellow undulating lines or reticulation on the head.

Adults are usually observed living singly, but are also seen in male–female pairs and in small groups.

The humphead wrasses can be found on the east coast of Africa around the mouth of the Red Sea, and in some areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Juveniles are usually found in shallow, sandy ranges bordering coral reef waters, while adults are found mostly in offshore and deeper areas of coral reefs, typically in outer-reef slopes and channels, but also in lagoons.

The humphead wrasse is long-lived, but has a very slow breeding rate. Individuals become sexually mature at five to seven years, and are known to live for around 30 years. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some becoming male at about 9 years old. The factors controlling the timing of sex change are not yet known. At certain times of year, adults move to the down-current end of the reef and form local spawning aggregations (groups). They likely do not travel very far for their spawning aggregations.

The pelagic eggs and larvae ultimately settle on or near coral reef habitats. Eggs are 0.65 mm in diameter and spherical, with no pigment.

The Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are the three largest exporters of the humphead wrasse. It has one of the highest retail values in Asia, especially when caught alive, and it is considered a delicacy in places like Malaysia. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported activities have been identified as the major factor for the failure of conservation efforts. Although the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has banned its export, the fish are still smuggled across the Malaysia–Philippines border.

Four main factors have allowed illegal, unregulated and unreported activities to persist:

Lack of capacity – A lack exists of formal procedures and personnel to monitor fishing activities and enforce fishing regulations