Polylepion


Polylepion is a genus of wrasses native to the Pacific Ocean. It is also known as a bleeding wrasse. They are mostly found over sandy waters from Mexico to Nicaragua, including Cocos Island.

Etymology

'Polylepion' is derived from the Greek adjective 'polys' meaning many, and the noun 'lepion' meaning small scales; referring to the relatively numerous lateral-line scales exhibited by species of this genus.

Species

The genus contains three species:
SpeciesCommon nameImage
Polylepion cruentum
M. F. Gomon, 1977		bleeding wrasse
Polylepion gilmorei
Baldwin et al, 2023		Candystriped wrasse
Polylepion russelli
Russell's striped hogfish