Napoleon Wrasse

Napoleon Wrasse (pronounced as “RAS”) aka humphead wrasse and “mameng” in Tagalog. Among the largest reef fish weighing up to 191kg! Adults with prominent hump on the forehead, while juveniles have 2 black lines extending behind the eye. Feeds primarily on mollusks and a wide variety of well-armored invertebrate; will even take toxic prey such as crown of thorns, box fish or sea hares. Extremely wary except where they are in protected areas where divers feed them. Just like this fellow in the waters of Palau who is fondly called “Junior”. Photo by Karl Wozniak, Divenet Philippines