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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:

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

Fauna

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