Humphead Wrasse Identification Guide

Key identification features

• Massive, thick-bodied wrasse, among the largest reef fish
• Pronounced bulbous hump on the forehead in mature adults
• Thick, fleshy lips
• Blue-green body covered in intricate, maze-like fine line patterning, especially on the face
• Two black lines running behind each eye
• Large, paddle-like pectoral fins and a rounded tail fin
• Can exceed 2 m in length

Common look-alikes

• Other large Cheilinus wrasses: lack the fully developed forehead hump and dense maze-like facial patterning of mature humpheads
• Juvenile humphead wrasse: resembles smaller wrasse species but shows the diagnostic paired black lines behind the eye
• Bumphead parrotfish: also has a forehead bump but has a fused parrotfish beak instead of thick fleshy lips

Where you'll see one

Humphead Wrasses inhabit coral reefs, steep outer reef slopes, and lagoons throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific. Adults are usually solitary and often stay near caves, drop-offs, or large coral heads, while juveniles hide among branching corals in shallower, more sheltered areas.