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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Bony fish
Estimated genome size:
Size:
The species length is up to 2 metres
Distribution:
Circumglobally found in tropical and sub-tropical waters. Found in all oceans, including the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
70.68 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.19 kilobases
Assembly N50:
6 633 kilobases
Contig number:
2 094
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.63 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.9% [S: 97.3%, D: 1.6%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Mola mola
Ocean sunfish
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Importance:
The Ocean sunfish is described as one of the heaviest bony fish in the world, with a sister species recorded as the heaviest bony fish. It forms part of the large iconic sunfish group seen by many water users. Furthermore, the species forms part of the mid-water trawling bycatch. Knowledge of this specific species is important for sustainable fisheries management and understanding the phylogeny in South African waters.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Nathalie Viljoen
Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
Date Published:
2025-11-28
Photo credit:
© I. Sinclair
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