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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

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

Fauna

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