Photo 4.9
The Humphead Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus (Endangered) is widely distributed but is nowhere common. Wherever it is fished, even if only moderately, density quickly declines and it appears to be extirpated from several edge of range locations. It is particularly heavily exploited at the centre of its range in southeastern Asia for the live reef fish trade. Fishery-dependent and trade-related data suggest declines over the last 10–15 years in exploited areas.
Photo: © John E. Randall.