What Divers Should Know About
Large Napoleon Wrasse

The Large Napoleon Wrasse, also widely recognized as the Humphead Wrasse, is an unmistakable giant of the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Divers often marvel at these magnificent fish while exploring outer-reef slopes, channels, and vibrant lagoon reefs. You'll typically encounter them cruising gracefully between 2 and 60 meters deep, making them a common sight across many dive profiles.

Easily identified by its sheer size, thick fleshy lips, and a distinct hump on the forehead of larger adults, its coloration can range from olive to striking purplish-blue. Some male individuals can grow to an impressive 229 centimeters (90 inches) and weigh up to 191 kilograms (421 pounds), making them the largest species in the wrasse family. These long-lived reef residents can reach an age of around 30 years. While most often observed singly, it's not uncommon to spot a male-female pair or a small group actively moving through the reef as one of its top predators.