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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Distribution:

Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.93 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]

Importance:

It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State

Group:

Bony fish

Estimated genome size:

Size:

Max length is 35.5 cm SL

Distribution:

Endemic to South Africa within the drainage basin of the Olifants–Doring River System.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

41.64 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.88 kilobases

Assembly N50:

13.15 kilobases

Contig number:

108 194

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.92 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

65.5% [S: 63.1%, D: 2.4%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Labeo seeberi

Clanwilliam sandfish

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Clanwilliam sandfish is endemic to South Africa and is one of South Africa's most threatened migratory freshwater fish. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN list of species. It was once widespread throughout the Olifants-Doring River system but has disappeared from many of these waterways due to pollution and impacts by invasive species.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-11-28

Photo credit:

© J. Shelton

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