The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), also known as the Napoleon wrasse, is a large, vibrant reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific region, easily recognized by its prominent forehead bump. Highly prized for its size, rarity, and value in the live reef fish trade—especially for luxury seafood markets in Hong Kong and China—this species has faced significant overfishing. The top fishing countries for humphead wrasse include Indonesia and the Philippines, where local fishers capture them primarily for export. Despite international protections under CITES Appendix II and local regulations, illegal and unregulated fishing persists, driven by high market demand and the species’ vulnerability due to slow growth and low reproductive rates. As a result, the humphead wrasse is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, and sustainable management remains a major challenge for the fishing industries in these countries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.