The Napoleon wrasse

The Napoleon wrasse 


The Napoleon wrasse or humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a large wrasse species found in the Indo-Pacific region primarily on coral reefs. It is a large coral reef fish with a prominent bulge on its forehead (growing over six feet long). Some live to be older than 30 years. They wander in search of hard-shelled preys such as mollusks, starfish, or crustaceans across coral reefs. 

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Humphead wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, like most wrasses, meaning they can act as members of both sexes throughout their reproductive lives and start as females. They may convert to males later in life but not all individuals can change in some species. Scientists are still researching the exact queues which cause this incredible transformation.

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