Humphead Wrasse
Environmental activists have called attention to the increasing instances of illegal fishing of the humphead wrasse fish in the waters of Hong Kong.
About the Fish
The humphead wrasse is a fish that dwells in the coral reefs. It is characterized by the presence of a ‘bump’ on its head. It can grow up to 6 feet long and live for up to 30 years. They have a unique pattern behind their eyes, called the ‘eyelashes’. This may be used to identify individual fishes.
Distribution
The humphead wrasse is listed as an endangered species by IUCN. It is found in the tropical waters of about 50 countries- from the coast of East Africa and Red Sea to Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. A large part of the species’ population is in the ‘Coral Triangle’ region.
Coral Triangle
Coral Triangle is a region in the Pacific Ocean that stretches across 5.7 million square kilometres of ocean water. It is called ‘Amazon of the Seas’. It covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Solomon Island. It houses the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
