The Blue-tooth Groper, Double-headed Maori Wrasse, Double-headed Parrot-fish, Giant Maori Wrasse, Giant Wrasse, Hump-headed Maori Wrasse, Hump-headed Wrasse, Maori Wrasse, Napoleon Maori-wrasse, Napoleon Wrasse, scientifically known as Cheilinus undulatus, is a captivating and massive fish species found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. This fish is renowned for its distinctive appearance, impressive size, and intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The Cheilinus undulatus is a truly remarkable fish. It can reach a maximum size of 229.0 cm, making it one of the largest members of the Labridae family. It is instantly recognizable by its prominent hump on its head, which is particularly pronounced in males. This hump gives the fish its common names, such as Hump-headed Maori Wrasse and Napoleon Wrasse, referencing the resemblance to the iconic French emperor’s hat. The fish’s coloration can vary greatly depending on age and sex, ranging from a rich reddish-brown to a vibrant green with streaks of yellow and blue.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Napoleon Wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, prefers a reef-associated lifestyle, typically inhabiting the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. zone. This indicates a preference for habitats within the neritic zone, extending from the lower intertidal zone to the shelf edge. The fish thrives in these environments, where it can find shelter, food, and favorable conditions for reproduction.
Taxonomy
The Cheilinus undulatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae. This classification places it among the ray-finned fishes, a group that includes the vast majority of fish species. The Order Eupercaria incertae sedis, signifies a group that is still being researched and classified. The Labridae family, commonly known as wrasses, is characterized by their diverse colors, elongated bodies, and often, their prominent lips.
Feeding
The Napoleon Wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, is a predatory fish with a diverse diet. Its feeding habits include a range of prey items like clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crabs, small fish, frozen food, hermit crabs, invertebrates, living food, mantis shrimps, rock shrimps, sea urchins, snails, starfish, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This adaptability in its diet allows it to thrive in diverse environments, making it a successful predator within its ecosystem.
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