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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:
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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