Humphead, blue-green giant. Patrols the reef with more confidence than any other reef fish.
Napoleon (or humphead) wrasse are unmistakable: 2-metre blue-green bodies, prominent forehead hump, fleshy lips, and a confidence around divers that no other reef fish matches. They're the largest member of the wrasse family and an important reef predator.
All Napoleons are born female; the largest in a group changes sex to become male, growing the head bump. They live for over 30 years and reach sexual maturity slowly, which has made them highly vulnerable to the live-reef-fish-food trade. IUCN Endangered, CITES Appendix II.
Red Sea (Brothers, Ras Mohammed) is the standout destination, where divers are often approached by individual fish known to local guides by name. Sipadan, Maldives, Komodo and Andaman walls all have reliable sightings. Hover still and they'll inspect you up close.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
17 destinations across Andamans, SE Asia, Lakshadweep, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Pacific, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 2Napoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Napoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 3Napoleon Wrasse here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 4Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Tier 2Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–May, Oct–Dec · 18 sites
Tier 2Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 30 sites
Tier 2Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 35 sites
Tier 2Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 18 sites
Tier 2Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 25 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Apr–Nov · 20 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 3Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · 20 sites
Tier 4Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: May–Oct · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonNapoleon Wrasse here: Apr–Nov · 25 sites
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