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Phylum:

Chordata

Estimated genome size:

Maximum length 50 cm

Organism size:

Maximum length 50 cm

Distribution:

Endemic to southern Africa, Labeo capensis is primarily found in the Orange-Vaal River system.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

13.8 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.49 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.1 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 94.9%, D: 3.9%]

Importance:

The Orange river mudfish is a freshwater species endemic to southern Africa. Human activities, such as inter-basin water transfers, have facilitated hybridisation with Moggel (Labeo umbratus). Genomic data are essential to clarify its phylogenetic placement and assess the extent of hybridisation. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Labeo capensis is an occasional angling species, and it is also used in ecological and physiological research. Additionally, it holds potential as a commercial species in large impoundments.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Phylum:

Tracheophyta

Estimated genome size:

768 Million DNA base pairs (0,77 Giga bases)

Organism size:

5-30cm

Distribution:

Cape Flats to Wellington, with outlying populations near Bredasdorp, Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

95 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.61 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

432.36 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6%

Oxalis natans

Water Sorrel

Species Card Details

Importance:

This highly threatened species is one of the true aquatic species in Oxalis, but much of its original habitat has been lost to urbanisation. Interestingly, it is completely unrelated to the other aquatic species - the genome of this species may offer insights into its conservation, and also into the convergent evolution of an aquatic habit in South African Oxalis. It is Redlisted as Critically Rare.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Kenneth Oberlander
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2024-10-30

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© J. van der Merwe

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