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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:

120 cm Total Length

Distribution:

This species is endemic to the southeastern coast of southern Africa, with a current distribution ranging from Sodwana Bay to Cape Agulhas.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

22.71 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

3.02 kilobases

Assembly N50:

654.82 kilobases

Contig number:

8 207

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.75 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.6% [S: 94.5%, D: 3.1%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Polysteganus undulosus

Seventyfour seabream

Species Card Details

Importance:

Due to overexploitation, the Seventyfour seabream remains off-limits to both commercial and recreational fishing. It is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-06-23

Photo credit:

© D. Wamerdam

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