Vertebrates
The humphead wrasse: a threatened species
by
Yvonne Sadovy
The humphead, Maori or Napoleon wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus
(So Mei in Cantonese), is one of the largest reef fishes in the
world, exceeding 2 m in maximum length and 30 years of age. This species
is highly regarded for its flavour and texture and, in many places in
the Pacific, is considered to be a special fish, presented to community
leaders or only used on special occasions. Long-lived and slow maturing
fishes such as the humphead, which takes about 5 years to become sexually
mature at about 50 cm in total length, are particularly vulnerable to
overfishing and the humphead wrasse has declined significantly in many
parts of its geographic range because of overexploitation. The declines
are due to excessive catches, both by spearfishing for traditional use
and for the live reef food fish trade. Recent surveys show that live
humpheads currently on sale in Hong Kong’s retail markets are mostly
juveniles (i.e., below 50 cm total length) and have therefore never
had the chance to reproduce to replenish populations. This species is
listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and has recently been formally
proposed for an Appendix II listing on CITES. For more information,
see: www.humpheadwrasse.info.
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Editorial
