This close-up picture of a Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) was taken to show its remarkably beautiful colouring and patterns. Egyptian Red Sea.

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An adult male Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) - also called a humphead wrasse - emerging from a cave. This close-up picture was taken to show the fish's beautiful colouring and patterns, which are particularly notable features. Very sadly, these large and beautiful animals are becoming increasingly rare; they are amongst the increasing number of endangered species on the IUCN Red List. This is mainly because their meat - especially the lips - are highly prized in certain Asian markets and command high prices in restaurants. As in the case of shark fins, consuming them is considered to confer status and to produce aphrodisiac effects. Photographed on Elphinstone Reef in the Egyptian Red Sea.

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Size: 5138px × 3408px
Location: Elphinstone Reef, Egyptian Red Sea.
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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