Napoleon wrasse

Cheilinus undulatus

Huge humphead wrasse with maze-like facial markings.

Encounter score67

ai researched

Find where to see this

Trust

Checking trust information…

Quick facts

The Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a marine species divers can encounter. Typical size: 100–150 cm. Usually seen at 5–40 m depth. Where to see it: Raja Ampat, Palau, Ras Mohammed (Red Sea) and Great Barrier Reef.

Summarised from DIVE-SEEK's recorded catalogue data; omitted values are not yet recorded.

Taxonomic rank

species

Typical size

100–150 cm (total_length)

Maximum size

229 cm

Typical depth

5–40 m

Maximum depth

100 m

Conservation status

Research in progress

Photography difficulty

3 /5

Activity pattern

Diurnal.

Description

Also known as humphead wrasse and Maori wrasse. Conservation status not populated pending a verified Red List reading.

Habitat

Outer reef slopes, channels and lagoons.

Behaviour

Curious but keeps its distance unless habituated; changes sex with age.

Diet

Molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms including crown-of-thorns.

Social behaviour

Solitary or in pairs.

Photography notes

Keeps just outside wide-angle range. Approach obliquely and shoot the facial pattern.

Ask about Napoleon wrasse

Answers are built only from our cited catalogue records — where data is missing, the assistant says so instead of guessing.

Where to see it

Destinations

Encounter records link species to destinations only when a verified source supports them.