Fast Facts: Maori Wrasse

Known by many names, including the Humphead Wrasse and Napolean Wrasse, this fish is known as a king of the coral reefs. 

 

The Maori Wrasse : Cheilinus undulatus

Description: Reaching up to 2 meters in length and 180 kg in weight, the Maori Wrasse is the largest species in the Wrasse family. They are easily distinguishable by the hump on their foreheads, which become more prominent with age, as well as their puffy lips. Based on the age and gender of a Maori Wrasse, its color patterns vary from red and orange to yellow and green and blues. 

Habitat: Found in the Indo-Pacific's tropical waters, the Maori Wrasse tends to cling to the temperate-coastal habitats of Australia. Maori Wrasse can inhabit all types of reefs, from rocky reefs by the shore to off-shore reefs reaching depths of 60 meters. 

Diet: Maori Wrasse are carnivorous creatures that feed primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, and other benthic creatures. They may even eat smaller fish! Maori Wrasse are significant to the Great Barrier Reef's health as they prey on several predators of the reef's corals, including the Crown of Thorns Starfish. 

Behavior: Maori Wrasse typically form single male-female breeding pairs, although some groups may have multiple males. This species is considered to have a slower maturity to reproduction, around five to seven years; typically, Maori Wrasse can live up 30 years. Additionally, these fish are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, organisms that can change genders from female to male. Some, not all, Maori Wrasse females may become male at around nine years of age. 

Conservation Status: Since 1996, the Maori Wrasse has been listed on the ICUN's endangered species list. Although numbers range from 50,000 to 100,000 individuals, the Maori Wrasse population is still under threat due to fish trade, loss of habitat, and destructive fishing practices. However, under the protection of CITES, the Maori Wrasse population has been better protected from illegal poaching. 

Unique Traits: This species is unique because its scales color patterns change as the fish matures. As juveniles, Maori Wrasse appear in shades of red-orange; similarly, full-grown female Maori Wrasse are also red-orange. However, males tend to develop blue-green coloring and bright blue markings along their foreheads and bodies as they age. These markings are reminiscent of tattoos seen in the Maori culture, hence the Maori Wrasse's name. 

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