The Humphead Wrasse

 CONSERVATION ALERT! 

    The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) is classified as an endangered species with declining populations. Also known as the Napoleon wrasse, the humphead wrasse is a rare and extremely vulnerable fish species. The most recent population estimate is between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals. The population has seen a 50% loss in the past 30 years. 

 

    Humphead wrasse are one of the largest fish found in coral reefs. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh 400 pounds. They have a life span of 30 years more or less and are easily spotted by a prominent bulge on their forehead.

    These enormous fish are generally solitary, traveling across coral reefs by day and sheltering in their caves and under their ledges at night. This species can be found in the Coral Triangle as well as on other coral reefs throughout much of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

 

    The humphead wrasse plays an important role in their ecosystem and if they were removed, the ecosystem would start to collapse. They feed on smaller species such as mollusks, reef fish, sea urchins, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Their predators are larger reef fish including various shark species. These relationships control the population of copious species and thus promotes greater biodiversity of species and healthier ecosystems. That said, these fish are very important to coral reef health.

     Not only do they play an important role in their ecosystem, but also in the local communities and economies. Without them, hundreds of millions of people would suffer. The species and their role in promoting healthy coral reefs promotes ecotourism in many countries throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Additionally, their ecosystems support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people, supply seafood, building materials, sources of medicinal products, and protect shorelines and communities from storms and erosion. Furthermore, in many local communities, the humphead wrasse holds great traditional significance. 

 

 

Some of the main causes of decline for the humphead wrassse include the following:

• Pollution
• Overfishing
• Destructive fishing techniques
• Bycatch
• Climate change and the resulting habitat loss and degradation
• Live fish trade throughout Asia
  
• Capture for marine aquariums
• Consumption by locals and as a delicacy for those in east Asia

    There are several conservation efforts to save the species however. For example, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) has helped stop the export of the humphead wrasse in south Asian countries. They also work with others to repopulate the coral reefs with humphead wrasses that were formerly intended for sale. In the past decade, a thousand or so have been released back into the wild.

    The main conservation effort for the species includes the creation of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas). This is possible because of geospatial tools.  These tools monitor reef health, water quality, detect any change, reveals fishing zones, helps with management, tracks migration patterns, helps determine where to place MPA’s, etc. etc. etc. Thus MPAs help replenish fish populations as well as preventing further biodiversity loss, and the use of geospatial tools help greatly in achieving this.

 

How can you help?

• Support reef-friendly businesses 
• Volunteer or donate for ocean clean-ups 
• Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling 
• Swap out your sunscreen for a swim shirt or use a natural sunscreen for sun protection 
• Recycle and dispose of trash properly 
• Donate and support organizations that are making a difference such as the following: 
• The Coral Reef Alliance 
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
• Ocean Conservancy 
• NFWF (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation)  
  
• Spread the word! Educate friends, family, community members, everybody on conservation 
• Sign petitions, promote, and even donate to the creation of more Marine Protected Areas

 

Works Cited

Beurteaux, Danielle. “The King of the Coral Reefs Is Disappearing. Here's Why.” Animals, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/facial-recognition-humphead-wrasse-disappearing.

Chakravarty, Rohan. The Napoleon Wrasse, 1 Jan. 1970, www.greenhumour.com/2018/06/the-napoleon-wrasse.html.

“Humphead Wrasse.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/humphead-wrasse.

“Life Cycle.” IUCN, 14 June 2018, www.iucn.org/commissions/ssc-groups/fishes/grouper-and-wrasse-specialist-group/humphead-wrasse/life-cycle.

“What Is Being Done to Protect Coral Reefs? Reef Conservation.” Haley Zanga's E-Port, 29 Mar. 2017, haleyzanga.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/what-is-being-done-to-protect-coral-reefs-reef-conservation/.

“What You Can Do to Help Protect Coral Reefs.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 14 Apr. 2021, www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/what-you-can-do-help-protect-coral-reefs.