humpheads

Humpheads are a group of fish belonging to the genus *Cephalopholis*, commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. These fish are part of the serranidae family, which includes sea basses and groupers. Humpheads are named for the distinctive hump on the forehead of males, which becomes more pronounced as they mature. This feature is absent in females and juveniles, making it a key characteristic for identifying adult males.

Humpheads are typically found in coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoons, often inhabiting depths ranging from a few meters to over 100 meters. They are known for their territorial behavior, particularly males, which defend their nesting sites and mating grounds aggressively. These fish are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey including crustaceans, small fish, and even algae.

Several species within the genus *Cephalopholis* are collectively referred to as humpheads, though the term is most commonly associated with *Cephalopholis boenak*, the giant humphead wrasse. This species is notable for its large size, often reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters and weighing over 60 kilograms. The giant humphead wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning it starts life as a female and transitions to male as it matures, a behavior that helps stabilize social structures within the population.

Humpheads play an important ecological role in reef ecosystems. As predators, they help control populations of smaller fish and invertebrates, maintaining balance within the reef community. However, they are also targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries due to their size and flavorful flesh. Overfishing has led to declines in some populations, prompting conservation efforts such as fishing restrictions and marine protected areas to ensure their long-term survival.