Humphead, blue-green giant. Patrols the reef like it owns the place — because it kind of does.
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 one of the most ecologically important reef predators.
All Napoleons are born female; the largest in a group changes sex to become male, growing the iconic head bump. They live for over 30 years and reach sexual maturity slowly — which has made them catastrophically vulnerable to the live-reef-fish-food trade. IUCN Endangered, CITES Appendix II.
Red Sea (Brothers, Ras Mohammed) is the iconic destination — 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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Tell us when you can travel and your certification level — we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with napoleon wrasse.
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