Observed from this vantage point, Humphead Wrasse Rock resembles the very fish it is named after. Did you know the humphead wrasse is quite the fascinating creature? It is also known as the Maori wrasse, Napoleon wrasse or Napoleon fish.
The Humphead Wrasse Rock is a fitting tribute to this endangered fish. These fish are mainly found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Adult humphead wrasses are commonly found in deep water. You can see them as far down as 330 feet. Juvenile wrasses prefer shallow sandy areas near coral reefs.
The humphead wrasse is the largest member of the Labridae family. Males can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh 180 kg. However, the average length is just under 1 meter. Females rarely grow larger than 1 meter. Spotting a humphead wrasse is easy. Look for its large size and thick lips. Also, observe the two black lines behind its eyes. Then there is the hump on the foreheads of larger adults. Their color varies from dull blue-green to vibrant shades of green. They can even be purplish-blue.
These fish are opportunistic predators. The humphead wrasse eats mollusks. They also feed on echinoids, crustaceans and annelids. Amazingly, they also eat venomous crown-of-thorns starfish. Half of echinoids and most pelecypods hide under the sand. Wrasses eject water to displace sand. They nose around for prey. Like other Red Sea wrasses, they crack sea urchins. They carry them to a rock in their mouths. Then they strike them against the rock with brisk sideways head movements. They sometimes hunt with roving coral grouper.
Humphead wrasses are long-lived. However, they have a very slow breeding rate. They become sexually mature at five to seven years. They can live for around 30 years. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. Some become male at about 9 years old. Adults move to the down-current end of reefs to spawn. They form spawning aggregations or groups. Their eggs are 0.65 mm in diameter. The eggs are spherical and have no pigment.
Sadly, the humphead wrasse is endangered. Its numbers have declined due to multiple threats. These include intensive fishing and destructive fishing techniques. There is also habitat loss and degradation. They are considered a delicacy by locals and tourists. Illegal fishing is another major threat.
Several measures are in place to protect the humphead wrasse. Export from Sabah has been banned. However, illegal activities still occur. The Fisheries Act of 1985 controls live fish transport. It also prohibits destructive fishing techniques. The International Trade in Endangered Species Act of 2008 supports Malaysia’s adoption of CITES.
The humphead wrasse is an umbrella species. Protecting its habitat benefits many other species. Permits are required for the sale of the species in Guangdong Province. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has classified the humphead wrasse as a species of concern. Taiwan protects the species with fines and jail sentences for hunting or killing it.
Here at Humphead Wrasse Rock, we reflect on the urgent need to protect this magnificent fish. Its survival depends on global conservation efforts. Let us do our part to protect the humphead wrasse. Let’s ensure that future generations can marvel at this king of the coral reef.