Author: Rüppell, 1835
FBname: Humphead wrasse
Comments: Adults inhabit steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reefs (Ref. 1602). They are benthopelagic at 2-60 m (Ref. 58302). They are usually solitary but may occur in pairs. Juveniles are encountered in coral-rich areas of lagoon reefs, where staghorn <i>Acropora</i> corals abound (Ref. 1602) and also in algae reefs or seagrasses (Ref. 48636, 41878).  Adults rove across the reefs by day and rest in reef caves and under coral ledges at night (Ref. 31343). Primary food are mollusks, fishes, sea urchins, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They are one of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes and crown-of-thorns starfish (Ref. 1602). They are oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). They are sold in Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253). This species is captured by hook-and-line and by spear, and is occasionally marketed for food. Juveniles are occasionally seen in the aquarium trade (Ref. 9823).  Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.