Reference Genome of the Black Surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni (Embiotocidae, Perciformes), a California Kelp Forest Fish That Lacks a Pelagic Larval Stage

Surfperches (Family Embiotocidae) are viviparous temperate reef fishes that brood their young. This life history trait translates into limited dispersal, strong population structure, and an unusually strong potential for local adaptation in a marine fish. As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), we sequenced the genome of the Black Surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni, to establish a genomic model for understanding phylogeographic patterns of marine organisms in California. These patterns, in turn, may inform the design of marine protected areas using dispersal models based on genomic data. The genome of E. jacksoni is typical of marine fishes at less than 1Gb (genome size = 635 Mb), and our assembly is near-chromosome level (contig N50 = 6.5Mb, scaffold N50 = 15.5 Mb, BUSCO = 98.1%). Within the context of the CCGP, the genome will be used as a reference for future whole genome resequencing projects aimed at enhancing our knowledge of the population structure of the species, and efficacy of Marine Protected Areas across the state.

Automated summary

Surfperches are viviparous reef fishes that have limited dispersal, strong population structure, and potential for local adaptation. The genome of the Black Surfperch was sequenced to establish a genomic model for understanding phylogeographic patterns of marine organisms in California and guide the design of marine protected areas.