Napoleon Wrasse

Photo: eskil6aar · CC BY-NC

Napoleon wrasse are resident at Layag-Layag Reef throughout the year, their massive humped foreheads and distinctive facial markings making them instantly recognizable as they patrol the pinnacle's upper reaches. As one of the largest bony fish on coral reefs, reaching over 2 meters in length, their presence is a strong indicator of an undisturbed ecosystem. Individual fish appear to have established home ranges around the pinnacle and can be encountered on successive dives by operators who know their patterns.