Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)

FishReefWrasse

Overview

The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is the largest member of the wrasse family, a heavy-bodied fish of coral reefs across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia. It is uncommon throughout its range, occurring in naturally low numbers even where it is not fished.

Adults have a deep, heavy body, thick fleshy lips and a hump on the forehead that grows with age and is most prominent in large males; two black lines run back from each eye, and the head carries wavy yellowish lines; facial patterns differ from fish to fish like fingerprints. Males are blue to green, while females are described as red-orange above and pale below, or as tan-gray. Juveniles are pale, with a dark mark on each scale and a yellow edge to the tail fin.

The largest reported fish measured 229 or 230 cm — given as total length in two accounts and standard length in one — and the maximum weight is given as 191.0 kg, or 190 kg in two accounts, but the common length is 60 cm, and females rarely exceed about 1 m.

Habitat & Range

Humphead wrasses live on coral reefs down to about 100 m. Adults use steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes and lagoon reefs, the largest fish usually on outer slopes at 10–100 m, while smaller fish stay inshore; juveniles live among branching corals such as staghorn Acropora, in seagrass beds and on algal reefs.

The range runs from the Red Sea and East Africa south to South Africa and east to the Tuamotu Archipelago, north to the Ryukyu Islands and southern Japan and south to New Caledonia and northern Australia; strays have reached Hawaii. In Australia it occurs on offshore reefs of Western Australia and on the northern Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea reefs south to southern Queensland.

Diet

The humphead wrasse is a carnivore, eating mollusks such as sea snails, fishes, sea urchins and other echinoderms, crustaceans such as shrimps, lobsters and crabs, and other invertebrates. It is one of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes and crown-of-thorns starfish, and it also takes moray eels; a second set of teeth in its throat, the pharyngeal teeth, crushes its prey.

Behavior

Adults are active by day, roaming and feeding across the reef, and shelter at night in caves, crevices and under coral ledges. Humphead wrasses are usually solitary but are also seen in male–female pairs or in social groups of one male, two to seven smaller adults and several juveniles.

They usually stay close to a home reef. At Palmyra Atoll, a tracking study measured a home range of 0.4 to 14 km over two years, changing with life stage, and in Seychelles tagged fish kept to one site for more than 500 days, with a mean dispersal distance of 6.44 km.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The humphead wrasse is a luxury food fish, heavily exploited for the live reef food fish trade through its core range in Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong is the global import and consumer hub; the 'plate-size' fish preferred there, about 700–1,000 g, are mainly juveniles, with some small adults. It is listed in Appendix II of CITES, and illegal trade has been recorded repeatedly and evidently continues. A Western Australian account says it is protected in all Australian waters, and State legislation has protected it in Western Australia since 1998 and in Queensland since 2003. Eating it has caused ciguatera poisoning; it is considered important to eco-tourism where divers visit, and it is often shown in public aquariums.

IUCN's global assessment lists the humphead wrasse as Endangered (2025).

Conservation assessment

Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)

Endangered (EN)Matches source

FaunaHub's record matches IUCN's published Red List data for this species (global assessment, 2025), checked 2026-10-09.

Source and dates

Assessed taxon: Cheilinus undulatus
Assessed: 2025, global assessment
IUCN taxon: 4592
Checked by FaunaHub: 2026-10-09, against IUCN's Red List export published 2026-07-28
FaunaHub record: reviewed 2026-06-16

IUCN Red List assessment (2025)

IUCN Red List categories are reassessed over time. FaunaHub is not a conservation authority; check the current assessment before relying on it.

Reproduction & Life Cycle

The humphead wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite: most fish mature as females, at 5–7 years old, and some females later change into males, at about 9 years — though not all do, and some fish may start life as males. Accounts differ on the sizes involved: maturity at a length of at least 40–60 cm, or at 40–50 cm, total length, and sex change at about 70 cm — the size at which males begin to appear in one Australian study — or at around 80–90 cm.

At certain times of year adults gather to spawn in aggregations of up to 100 fish at the down-current end of a reef, where pairs release their eggs into open water.

The maximum reported age is 32 years and another account gives up to 30; in a sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, aged from annual bands in their ear stones, the oldest male was 25 and the oldest female 30.

Sourced facts

Each value below is traced to the specific reference that states it. Open a row's evidence to see the source, where to look in it, and how firmly it supports the value. Sources checked 2026-10-20.

Sourced facts about the Humphead Wrasse, with the reference supporting each
Fact	What the source states	Evidence
Distinguishing traits	Largest wrasse (Labridae): deep, heavy body, thick fleshy lips; adults grow a forehead hump, most prominent in large males. Two black lines run back from each eye. Males blue to green; female color reported differently. Juveniles pale, with dark scale marks, yellow tail-fin edge.sources disagreeRounded tail fin; the hump becomes more prominent with age. Adults have irregular wavy yellowish lines on a blue-green to blue head. Body markings stay stable over several years; facial patterns vary between individuals like fingerprints and differ between the left and right sides of one fish.	Sources disagree · Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World), Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) — how we know What each reading says females red-orange above, pale or white below — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Coloration tan-grey females — Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World), Description Female coloration differs between accounts: red-orange above and pale or white below in one, tan-gray in another. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Colour; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features, Coloration; FishBase: Short description; Reef Life Survey: Description; Hau et al. 2025: Introduction (1.7), Figure 1 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Colour; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features, Coloration; FishBase: Short description; Reef Life Survey: Description; Hau et al. 2025: Introduction (1.7), Figure 1 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Colour; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features, Coloration; FishBase: Short description; Reef Life Survey: Description; Hau et al. 2025: Introduction (1.7), Figure 1 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Colour; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features, Coloration; FishBase: Short description; Reef Life Survey: Description; Hau et al. 2025: Introduction (1.7), Figure 1 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Survey-based species summary; maximum size given without naming the measure; temperature, depth and abundance figures reflect its own reef surveys; its 'tan-grey' female color differs from another account. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Colour; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features, Coloration; FishBase: Short description; Reef Life Survey: Description; Hau et al. 2025: Introduction (1.7), Figure 1 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts.
Geographic range	Tropical Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa south to South Africa, east to the Tuamotu Archipelago (French Polynesia), north to the Ryukyu Islands and southern Japan, south to New Caledonia and northern Australia; strays (waifs) recorded at the Hawaiian Islands.In Australia: offshore reefs of Western Australia, Ashmore Reef, Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and the northern Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea reefs to southern Queensland, plus Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs (Tasman Sea). Uncommon throughout its range, in naturally low numbers even where unfished.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), California Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes), Australian Museum, Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Distribution; Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; Australian Museum: Distribution; Fishes of Australia: Summary, Distribution; WA DPIRD: General description Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. California Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes) Where FishBase: Distribution; Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; Australian Museum: Distribution; Fishes of Australia: Summary, Distribution; WA DPIRD: General description Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Taxonomic catalog (online version updated 21 Sep. 2026); distribution is a one-line summary. Australian Museum Where FishBase: Distribution; Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; Australian Museum: Distribution; Fishes of Australia: Summary, Distribution; WA DPIRD: General description Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Distribution; Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; Australian Museum: Distribution; Fishes of Australia: Summary, Distribution; WA DPIRD: General description Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where FishBase: Distribution; Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; Australian Museum: Distribution; Fishes of Australia: Summary, Distribution; WA DPIRD: General description Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used.
Habitat	Coral reefs to 100 m deep. Adults use steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes and lagoon reefs; larger fish usually outer slopes at 10–100 m. Smaller fish live inshore; juveniles live among branching corals such as staghorn Acropora, in seagrass beds and on algal reefs.Recorded at sea temperatures of 22.1–30.8 °C in reef surveys.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Australian Museum, Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Environment, Biology; Australian Museum: Habitat; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat; Reef Life Survey: Information Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Australian Museum Where FishBase: Environment, Biology; Australian Museum: Habitat; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat; Reef Life Survey: Information Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Environment, Biology; Australian Museum: Habitat; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat; Reef Life Survey: Information Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where FishBase: Environment, Biology; Australian Museum: Habitat; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat; Reef Life Survey: Information Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used. Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) Where FishBase: Environment, Biology; Australian Museum: Habitat; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat; Reef Life Survey: Information Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Survey-based species summary; maximum size given without naming the measure; temperature, depth and abundance figures reflect its own reef surveys; its 'tan-grey' female color differs from another account.
Diet	Carnivore: mollusks (including sea snails), fishes, sea urchins and other echinoderms, crustaceans (shrimp, lobsters, crabs) and other invertebrates. One of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes and crown-of-thorns starfish; also eats moray eels.Its pharyngeal teeth, a second set of teeth in the throat, crush prey.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Australian Museum — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; WA DPIRD: Diet; Florida Museum: Food Habits, Dentition; Australian Museum: Feeding and diet Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; WA DPIRD: Diet; Florida Museum: Food Habits, Dentition; Australian Museum: Feeding and diet Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; WA DPIRD: Diet; Florida Museum: Food Habits, Dentition; Australian Museum: Feeding and diet Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; WA DPIRD: Diet; Florida Museum: Food Habits, Dentition; Australian Museum: Feeding and diet Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Australian Museum Where FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; WA DPIRD: Diet; Florida Museum: Food Habits, Dentition; Australian Museum: Feeding and diet Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure.
Body size	Reported maximum 229 cm or 230 cm, for males; two accounts call it total length, one standard length. Common length 60.0 cm total length. Females rarely exceed about 1 m.sources disagreeIn a sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, males grew faster than females and reached 140 cm fork length. Another account says the species reaches at least 1.5 m TL.	Sources disagree · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Australian Museum, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World), Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006), Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) — how we know What each reading says max length 229 cm SL (male/unsexed) — FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Size / Weight / Age maximum reported length 90 inches (229 cm) total length — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Size, Age, and Growth max size 230 cm TL — Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Quick Facts growing to 2.3 m in length (measure not named) — Australian Museum, Size Range males can grow to 230 cm (measure not named) — Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), Size max size 229 cm (measure not named) — Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World), Information The maximum is given as 229 cm standard length in one database, as 229 cm (90 inches) total length in one account and as 230 cm total length in another; other accounts give 2.3 m, 230 cm or 229 cm without naming the measure. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Australian Museum Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used. Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Survey-based species summary; maximum size given without naming the measure; temperature, depth and abundance figures reflect its own reef surveys; its 'tan-grey' female color differs from another account. Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Abstract only (full text not read); one sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, sizes reported as fork length; it describes C. undulatus and other large labrids as having fast growth and relatively short life spans, unlike accounts that call the species slow-growing or long-lived. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; WA DPIRD: Size; Reef Life Survey: Information; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2 Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts.
Body mass	Maximum published weight 191.0 kg (421 pounds); other accounts give a maximum of 190 kg.sources disagreeThese are maximum figures; none of the sources gives a typical adult weight.	Sources disagree · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Australian Museum — how we know What each reading says max. published weight 191.0 kg — FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Size / Weight / Age maximum published weight 421 pounds (191.0 kg) — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Size, Age, and Growth max size 190 kg — Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Quick Facts growing to 190 kg — Australian Museum, Size Range The heaviest weight is given as 191.0 kg (421 pounds) in two accounts and as 190 kg in two others. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Australian Museum Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure.
Lifespan	Maximum reported age 32 years; another account gives up to 30 years. In a sample from northeastern Australia, the oldest male was 25 years old and the oldest female 30 years old.sources disagreeThe Australian sample comprised 164 fish, aged from otolith (ear-stone) bands laid down once a year. None of the sources gives a lifespan in captivity.	Sources disagree · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006) — how we know What each reading says max. reported age 32 years — FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Size / Weight / Age maximum reported age 32 years; long-lived to at least 30 years — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Size, Age, and Growth can live for up to 30 years — Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Biology can live for over 30 years — Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Species description and biology oldest males 25 years, oldest females 30 years — Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006), sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia One account says the species lives up to 30 years, whereas two others give a maximum reported age of 32 years and a third says it can live for over 30 years. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts. Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006) Where FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Abstract only (full text not read); one sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, sizes reported as fork length; it describes C. undulatus and other large labrids as having fast growth and relatively short life spans, unlike accounts that call the species slow-growing or long-lived.
Activity pattern	Diurnal: adults roam and feed across the reef by day and shelter at night in reef caves, crevices, coral heads and under coral ledges.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat; WA DPIRD: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used.
Social structure	Usually solitary, but also seen in male–female pairs or in social groups of one male, two to seven smaller adults and several juveniles. Forms small to medium-sized spawning aggregations, within which pairs spawn.Reef surveys record an average of 1 fish per transect where it is present.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat, Reproduction; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Reef Life Survey: Conservation and Rarity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat, Reproduction; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Reef Life Survey: Conservation and Rarity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat, Reproduction; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Reef Life Survey: Conservation and Rarity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Reef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Habitat, Reproduction; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Reef Life Survey: Conservation and Rarity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Survey-based species summary; maximum size given without naming the measure; temperature, depth and abundance figures reflect its own reef surveys; its 'tan-grey' female color differs from another account.
Reproduction	Protogynous hermaphrodite: most fish mature as females at 5–7 years, and some females later become males, at about 9 years; not all change sex, and some may start life as males. Spawns in aggregations of up to 100 fish at the down-current end of reefs; pairs spawn pelagic eggs.sources disagreeSpawning occurs at certain times of the year. One account gives maturity at about 6 years. In a sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, males entered the population from 9 years of age. Aggregations are small to medium-sized and usually on outer reefs.	Sources disagree · Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006), Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) — how we know What each reading says sexual maturity at 5–7 years and at least 40–60 cm TL — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Size, Age, and Growth matures at 5–7 years (40–50 cm TL) — Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Species description and biology sex change to males at around 80–90 cm TL — Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Species description and biology male recruitment from 9 years at a size threshold of 70 cm — Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006), sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia sex change generally at around 9 years of age, or at 70 cm in length — Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), General description Size at maturity is given as at least 40–60 cm TL in one account and as 40–50 cm TL in another; for sex change, males enter the population from a size threshold of 70 cm in one Australian study, a fact sheet puts sex change at about 70 cm or around 9 years, and another account gives around 80–90 cm TL. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Inter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006) Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Abstract only (full text not read); one sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, sizes reported as fork length; it describes C. undulatus and other large labrids as having fast growth and relatively short life spans, unlike accounts that call the species slow-growing or long-lived. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; Coloration; Reproduction; Hau et al. 2025: 1.2; Fishes of Australia: Biology; Choat et al. 2006: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; FishBase: Life cycle and mating behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'.
Movement	Usually stays close to a home reef, with limited home ranges. At Palmyra Atoll, the home range measured over two years was 0.4 to 14 km and changed with life stage; in Seychelles, 20 tagged fish showed fidelity to one site for more than 500 days, with a mean dispersal distance of 6.44 km.Females at Palmyra had larger home ranges than the 68 other reef fishes studied up to then.	Matches source · Inter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Weng, Pedersen, Del Raye, Caselle & Gray 2015), Inter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Daly et al. 2020), Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes — how we know Inter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Weng, Pedersen, Del Raye, Caselle & Gray 2015) Where Weng et al. 2015: Abstract; Daly et al. 2020: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; Florida Museum: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Abstract only; acoustic tracking of 14 fish at Palmyra Atoll, central tropical Pacific. Inter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Daly et al. 2020) Where Weng et al. 2015: Abstract; Daly et al. 2020: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; Florida Museum: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Abstract only; acoustic tracking of 20 fish at one remote island group in Seychelles. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where Weng et al. 2015: Abstract; Daly et al. 2020: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; Florida Museum: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where Weng et al. 2015: Abstract; Daly et al. 2020: Abstract; WA DPIRD: General description; Florida Museum: Habitat Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used.
Human interaction	A luxury food fish, heavily exploited for the live reef food fish trade through its core range in Southeast Asia, with Hong Kong the global import and consumer hub. Listed in CITES Appendix II. Protected in all Australian waters by one account. Considered important to dive eco-tourism.Fish of the 'plate size' preferred in Hong Kong, about 700–1,000 g, are mainly juveniles and some small adults. Illegal trade has been recorded repeatedly and evidently continues. Historically fished commercially in northern Australia, it has been protected under State legislation in Western Australia since 1998 and in Queensland since 2003. Eating the fish has caused ciguatera poisoning. It is commonly shown in public aquariums.	Matches source · Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia), Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) — how we know Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Fisheries; Hau et al. 2025: Abstract, 1.3, 1.5; Florida Museum: Importance to Humans, Conservation; WA DPIRD: Exploitation Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Fisheries; Hau et al. 2025: Abstract, 1.3, 1.5; Florida Museum: Importance to Humans, Conservation; WA DPIRD: Exploitation Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Fisheries; Hau et al. 2025: Abstract, 1.3, 1.5; Florida Museum: Importance to Humans, Conservation; WA DPIRD: Exploitation Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) Where Fishes of Australia: Summary, Fisheries; Hau et al. 2025: Abstract, 1.3, 1.5; Florida Museum: Importance to Humans, Conservation; WA DPIRD: Exploitation Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used.

References for the facts above

ReferenceFishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.)Supports: identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, reproduction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Compiled summary citing many references (footer: page last modified 20 July 2016; its Red List field cites version 2025-2). It gives the maximum length as standard length (SL) where two other accounts say total length; its latitude band (30°N - 23°S) does not match its own range text (south to South Africa); its maturity field reads 'range 52 - ? cm'.
UniversityFlorida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover FishesSupports: identification, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, reproduction, movement; trade, CITES, ciguatera, eco-tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Profile by Cathleen Bester (page last updated 02/05/2025), whose size, weight, age and range figures match FishBase's. Its conservation section is out of date (NMFS 'species of concern'); it says the teeth are 'fused into a parrot-like beak' and mentions 'a school of humphead wrasses' demolishing coral, and its introduction gives 'up to 7 feet' against 90 inches (229 cm) later — none of these was used.
ReferenceMuseums Victoria (Fishes of Australia)Supports: identification, range, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, social-structure, reproduction; live reef fish trade, Australian protection. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Undated species page with an Australian focus; maximum size and weight appear only as quick facts (230 cm TL; 190 kg); its lifespan ('up to 30 years') is lower than the maximum reported age given elsewhere (32 years).
UniversityAustralian MuseumSupports: range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Short factsheet (Mark McGrouther, updated 26/03/21); its maximum length does not name the measure.
GovernmentDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet)Supports: range (abundance), habitat, diet, body-size, activity, reproduction, movement; protection in Australian waters. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Unreferenced school-education fact sheet (page reviewed 9th June 2022); length measure not named; its anecdotes about fish approaching and rubbing against divers and its adult color description were not used.
ReferenceReef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World)Supports: identification, habitat, body-size, social-structure. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Survey-based species summary; maximum size given without naming the measure; temperature, depth and abundance figures reflect its own reef surveys; its 'tan-grey' female color differs from another account.
ReferenceInter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006)Supports: body-size, lifespan, reproduction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Abstract only (full text not read); one sample of 164 fish from northeastern Australia, sizes reported as fork length; it describes C. undulatus and other large labrids as having fast growth and relatively short life spans, unlike accounts that call the species slow-growing or long-lived.
ReferenceInter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Weng, Pedersen, Del Raye, Caselle & Gray 2015)Supports: movement. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Abstract only; acoustic tracking of 14 fish at Palmyra Atoll, central tropical Pacific.
ReferenceInter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Daly et al. 2020)Supports: movement. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Abstract only; acoustic tracking of 20 fish at one remote island group in Seychelles.
ReferenceFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025)Supports: identification (facial patterns), body-size, lifespan, reproduction; live reef food fish trade, Hong Kong market, illegal trade. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Peer-reviewed article about photo identification for CITES enforcement in Hong Kong; its biology section summarizes earlier studies; its sizes at maturity (40-50 cm TL) and at sex change (80-90 cm TL) differ from other accounts.
ReferenceCalifornia Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes)Supports: identity (accepted name, synonyms); range (distribution summary). Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Taxonomic catalog (online version updated 21 Sep. 2026); distribution is a one-line summary.

Frequently Asked Questions — Humphead Wrasse

How big does the humphead wrasse get?

It is the largest wrasse: the biggest reported fish measured 229 or 230 cm, and the maximum weight is given as 191.0 kg or 190 kg. Its common length is 60 cm, and females rarely exceed about 1 m.

Does the humphead wrasse change sex?

Yes. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite: most fish mature as females, and some females later become males, at about 9 years of age. Not all fish change sex, and some may start life as males.

What does the humphead wrasse eat?

Mollusks, fishes, sea urchins, crustaceans and other invertebrates. It is one of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes and crown-of-thorns starfish.

Is the humphead wrasse protected?

It is listed in Appendix II of CITES, and a Western Australian account says it is protected in all Australian waters. It has been heavily exploited as a luxury food fish in the live reef food fish trade through its core range in Southeast Asia, and illegal trade evidently continues.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.

ReferenceFishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) — Cheilinus undulatus species summary — identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, reproduction
UniversityFlorida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes — Humphead wrasse, Discover Fishes species profile — identification, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, reproduction, movement; trade, CITES, ciguatera, eco-tourism
ReferenceMuseums Victoria (Fishes of Australia) — Cheilinus undulatus, Fishes of Australia — identification, range, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, social-structure, reproduction; live reef fish trade, Australian protection
UniversityAustralian Museum — Humphead Maori wrasse species account (Australia) — range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight
GovernmentDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (Marine Waters fact sheet) — Humphead Maori wrasse fact sheet (Western Australia) — range (abundance), habitat, diet, body-size, activity, reproduction, movement; protection in Australian waters
ReferenceReef Life Survey (Reef Species of the World) — Cheilinus undulatus, Reef Species of the World — identification, habitat, body-size, social-structure
ReferenceInter-Research: Marine Ecology Progress Series (Choat, Davies, Ackerman & Mapstone 2006) — Choat et al. 2006, age and growth of humphead wrasse (abstract) — body-size, lifespan, reproduction
ReferenceInter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Weng, Pedersen, Del Raye, Caselle & Gray 2015) — Weng et al. 2015, humphead wrasse home range at Palmyra (abstract) — movement
ReferenceInter-Research: Endangered Species Research (Daly et al. 2020) — Daly et al. 2020, humphead wrasse site fidelity in Seychelles (abstract) — movement
ReferenceFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Hau, Ngan & Sadovy de Mitcheson 2025) — Hau et al. 2025, photo identification of humphead wrasse — identification (facial patterns), body-size, lifespan, reproduction; live reef food fish trade, Hong Kong market, illegal trade
ReferenceCalifornia Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes) — Cheilinus undulatus, Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes — identity (accepted name, synonyms); range (distribution summary)