Cheilinus undulatus, known as the Napoleon wrasse or giant grouper, is one of the largest species of reef fish that inhabits the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, and other coral ecosystems. This fish can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and weigh more than 180 kilograms, making it one of the most imposing fish on coral reefs.
The Napoleon wrasse has a robust body and a large, bulbous head, which becomes more pronounced in adult individuals, especially males. Its coloration varies according to age and sex: juveniles usually have lighter shades, with vertical stripes on their bodies, while adults have green, blue, and purple colors with a characteristic wavy pattern on their scales. Males are generally larger and display more intense coloration than females, standing out for their prominent forehead protuberance, which gives them their common name, in reference to Napoleon Bonaparte's hat.
Cheilinus undulatus is a predator that feeds on a wide variety of reef organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins and fish. It has a very strong jaw that allows it to break through hard shells and access its prey, making it one of the few predators capable of feeding on species such as crown-of-thorns starfish, which are toxic to other fish. Its varied diet positions it as an important regulator within coral ecosystems.
Despite its large size and robust appearance, the napoleon wrasse is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, mainly due to overfishing and the destruction of coral reefs. Its meat is highly valued in some Asian markets, which has led to a significant decline in its populations in recent decades. Furthermore, its slow growth and low reproductive rate make this species particularly vulnerable to fishing pressures.
Behaviourally, Cheilinus undulatus is a solitary fish, although it can sometimes be seen in small groups. Individuals are generally territorial, occupying fixed areas of the reef. During breeding, males form harems of several females, with which they mate in specific areas of the reef.
Approximate measurements of the Sula Cheilinus:
The Napoleon wrasse has a robust body and a large, bulbous head, which becomes more pronounced in adult individuals, especially males. Its coloration varies according to age and sex: juveniles usually have lighter shades, with vertical stripes on their bodies, while adults have green, blue, and purple colors with a characteristic wavy pattern on their scales. Males are generally larger and display more intense coloration than females, standing out for their prominent forehead protuberance, which gives them their common name, in reference to Napoleon Bonaparte's hat.
Cheilinus undulatus is a predator that feeds on a wide variety of reef organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins and fish. It has a very strong jaw that allows it to break through hard shells and access its prey, making it one of the few predators capable of feeding on species such as crown-of-thorns starfish, which are toxic to other fish. Its varied diet positions it as an important regulator within coral ecosystems.
Despite its large size and robust appearance, the napoleon wrasse is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, mainly due to overfishing and the destruction of coral reefs. Its meat is highly valued in some Asian markets, which has led to a significant decline in its populations in recent decades. Furthermore, its slow growth and low reproductive rate make this species particularly vulnerable to fishing pressures.
Behaviourally, Cheilinus undulatus is a solitary fish, although it can sometimes be seen in small groups. Individuals are generally territorial, occupying fixed areas of the reef. During breeding, males form harems of several females, with which they mate in specific areas of the reef.
Approximate measurements of the Sula Cheilinus:
- 1:20 scale Complete
- Length 100 mm
- Height 44 mm
- Width 58 mm
- Snout-tail length 103 mm
- 1:10 scale Complete
- Length 200 mm
- Height 88 mm
- Width 115 mm
- Snout-tail length 205 mm
