Humphead wrasse

A territorial reef resident, present year-round on Baa's outer reefs — one Baa site is named Napoleon Reef for its resident giants.

Napoleon wrasse are resident along both passes and the drop-offs, large and curious. The IUCN lists the species as Endangered. Reliable year-round but as individuals, not schools.

Resident year-round and most reliable at Shark Reef (Ras Mohammed) and Ras Umm Sid, where individuals are used to divers and often approach closely.

Resident giants at Blue Corner.

Resident on the Ribbon Reefs (locally called Maori wrasse); commonly seen at the Cod Hole and along outer reef walls. Endangered globally, protected in the Marine Park. Not seasonal.

Napoleon (humphead) wrasse are common on the walls here — Tubbataha holds a healthy population of this endangered species.

Humphead wrasse are reported on Addu's reefs, but are not a reliable target on every itinerary.

Napoleon wrasse are listed by park management among the threatened species present and are reported from the plateau edges and Shark Ridge. Usually single large fish rather than groups, and they keep their distance.

Occasional on deeper reef slopes and thilas. Ari is not a reliable single-species trip for this endangered wrasse.

Single large adults turn up on the outer walls at Koon, Hatta and Nusa Laut. Wary and usually seen at distance; numbers reflect a species that is still fished across eastern Indonesia.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Napoleon wrasse are drawn to the cleaning station at Fukui Point and cruise the exposed walls; large individuals are seen but they are wary.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Napoleon wrasse are reported cruising past at Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock and German Flag through the year. Individually large and often solitary, so encounters are per-dive luck rather than seasonal — coded occasional, year-round, with no month weighting. Listed Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and Komodo's protected status is part of why they are still here.

May be seen on outer reefs and current-fed sites. No defensible Malé-specific seasonal peak was found.

Napoleon (humphead) wrasse are reported on the Pescador wall; encounters are hit-or-miss.

Adults are reported at The Canyon and other outer reefs, without evidence for a monthly season.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Napoleon (humphead) wrasse are regular visitors to the larger reef and boulder sites. IUCN Endangered; sightings are occasional, not guaranteed.

On the reef (Sipadan closed in November).

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Napoleon wrasse are reported most often around Una Una. Historical fishing pressure argues against coding them as resident or reliable.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Occasional on outer reefs and channel walls. It is not a reliable reason by itself to choose Vaavu.

Napoleon (humphead) wrasse are reported at Fingers and Whale Reef year-round. Single large individuals, not groups.

Napoleon wrasse are seen on the walls and along drop-offs; large individuals are present but not on every dive.

Possible on outer reefs, but published Bangka-specific encounter evidence is too thin for stronger coding.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported peak is applied.

Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.

Humphead wrasse are reported on Tioman reefs, including Soyak. Treat them as an occasional encounter rather than an expected sighting.