Species guide
How to catch Humphead wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
saltwatergame fishLabridae
The humphead wrasse is a large, solitary reef fish known for its distinctive forehead bump. It roams outer reef slopes and lagoon reefs, resting in caves by night. This species is a predator that feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates and crown-of-thorns starfish.
Where they live
Inhabits steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reefs across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Juveniles prefer coral-rich lagoon areas; adults move widely on reefs up to 100 meters deep.
Typical size
Up to about 229 cm
What they eat
- crustaceans
- crown-of-thorns starfish
- sea urchins
- mollusks
Best baits
- crustacean-based bait
- mollusk meat
- small pieces of fish
Best lures
- soft plastic lures imitating crustaceans
- jigs
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- reef fishing
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