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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Bony fish
Genome size:
888 Million DNA base pairs (0,89 Gigabases)
Size:
12-20 cm
Distribution:
The galjoen, black bream, or blackfish is found only along the coast
of South Africa
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
135 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3,8 kilobases
Assembly N50:
3 391.76 kilobases
Contig number:
1 638
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.69 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 96.5%, D: 3.1%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Dichistius capensis
Galjoen
Importance:
Galjoen is the national fish of South Africa. It is important to local commercial fisheries and is also popular as a game fish. It is currently not evaluated on the IUCN Red List. This is the first species in this genus to have its genome sequenced.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Date Published:
2026-07-19
Photo credit:
© G. Zsilavecz
Fauna
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