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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

Genome size:

Size:

Maximum length is 50 cm

Distribution:

This species is endemic to Southern Africa, with populations split between the Orange-Vaal River system in the north and eight isolated river systems from the Gouritz to the Nahoon River in the south.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

23.52 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

3.25 kilobases

Assembly N50:

468.45 kilobases

Contig number:

18 268

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

1.06 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.4% [S: 94.5%, D: 3.9%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Labeo umbratus

Moggel

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Moggel is a freshwater fish endemic to Southern Africa. It is important for commercial and subsistence fisheries, angling, aquaculture, and physiological research. The current classification of Least Concern overlooks the species' taxonomic complexity. Preliminary phylogeographic results indicated distinct, allopatric lineages with morphological differences, suggesting multiple species within this taxon.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-07-23

Photo credit:

© R Bills

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