Other distinguishing features include extremely big lips and two thin horizontal lines behind its eyes. As its name suggests, it has a prominent ‘hump’ on its forehead. Males are larger than females, which rarely exceed 1 m (3.2 ft.) in length. You can find pictures, facts and information about many other endangered animals here: Become an animal expert! (protogyny—female function precedes male function) They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some becoming male at about 9 years old. Facts Summary: The Giant Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "fishes" and found in the following area(s): Africa, Asia, Australia, Middle East, Oceanic, United States Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Is. Pairs form within the group, and mating commences. The humphead wrasse’s diet includes the coral-destroying crown of thorns starfish.The humphead wrasse has a set of tough teeth that allow it to consume species with hard shells. The humphead wrasse is specifically targeted in this manner, and is harvested intensively. (15) The Wrasse is listed as an endangered species due to its fast decline in number. (12) The fish is an opportunistic predator. The plight of the humphead wrasse isn’t as well reported as that of other endangered animals, but this large fish is an important part of the reef ecosystem. They can live up to 30 years. There are multiple reasons for this decline. It also thrives in New Zealand waters, notably in Nelson Bay. However, the humphead wrasse is still fished for and exported illegally, and the global humphead wrasse population continues to fall. It is also considered to be ‘conservation dependent’, meaning that its survival is currently dependent on human intervention. At certain times of the year humphead wrasses gather together in large mating groups which comprise both males and females. The species appears in the IUCN Red List as endangered. It is among the largest of the reef fishes. The Humphead Wrasse’s Main Characteristics. Females can live to around 50 years, and males to around 45 years (although in the wild these figures are significantly reduced). It’s one of the largest and most long lived coral reef fishes, living up to 30 years and growing to 6ft (2m) in length. This giant of the ocean lives almost as long as we humans do. Humphead Wrasse is very beautiful and interesting looking fish. Discover The World’s Freshwater Habitats, North American Animals List. One interesting fact - Humphead wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some members of the population becoming male at approximately 9 years old. There are two black lines behind the eyes. Thick black lines as eye pupils. The wrasse is invaluable not when it's on people's dinner plates — but when it's simply left alone in the clear ocean waters it inhabits. Here are just 5 cool facts about the Napoleon wrasse. Conservation . (13) They are often seen carrying the sea urchins to a rock by holding in them in their mouth. This protrusion becomes more noticeable as … Fact #1: Humphead wrasse has a remarkable appearance. The Humphead Wrasse’s Main Characteristics. They will eat shrimp, fish, and other tank fed foods and are a fairly easy wrasse to care for in an aquarium. There are over 600 species of wrasse. These happen at certain times of the year. They can weigh up to 180 kg. Humphead wrasses are very long-lived fish. Interesting Wrasse Facts: Wrasse can reach 4 to 98 inches in length, depending on the species. The fisherman can then easily capture the fish, even breaking away parts of the coral reef in order to reach it. Some initial phase males then go on to become terminal phase males. Humphead wrasse facts, pictures and information for kids and adults. An umbrella species is a species that plays an important part in a local ecosystem. Active Wild Pinterest Active Wild Facebook. The fish is forced to hide in a crevice or hole in the coral and becomes sluggish as the poison takes hold. Copyright © 2021 ActiveWild.com. Follow the link below to find out more and to sign up! Humphead wrasses retreat to caves and other sheltered areas in the reef during the night. Pictures, Information & Video, Golden Lion Tamarin Facts, Pictures, Information & Video. (It’s completely free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we’ll never share your details.). Mating involves males fertilizing eggs that the female has released into the water. Most, like the humphead wrasse, are found in tropical and subtropical waters. They can be seen feasting on shellfish, other fish, sea stars, sea urchins and crabs, crushing the shells to get at the animal within. It can sell for as much as $100 US dollars per kilogram in some countries. Humphead wrasse are known to survive for at least 30 years. Humphead wrasses change gender over the course of their lives! 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