A chromosome-level reference genome assembly of the Reeve's moray eel (Gymnothorax reevesii)

Due to potentially hostile behaviors and elusive habitats, moray eels (Muraenidae) as one group of apex predators in coral reefs all across the globe have not been well investigated. Here, we constructed a chromosome-level genome assembly for the representative Reeve's moray eel (Gymnothorax reevesii). This haplotype genome assembly is 2.17 Gb in length, and 97.87% of the sequences are anchored into 21 chromosomes. It contains 56.34% repetitive sequences and 23,812 protein-coding genes, of which 96.77% are functionally annotated. This sequenced marine species in Anguilliformes makes a good complement to the genetic resource of eel genomes. It not only provides a genetic resource for in-depth studies of the Reeve's moray eel, but also enables deep-going genomic comparisons among various eels.

Automated summary

Due to potential threats and elusive habitats, moray eels have not been extensively studied as apex predators in coral reefs worldwide. In this study, a haplotype genome assembly for the Reeve's moray eel was constructed, with 97.87% of sequences anchored into 21 chromosomes. The genome assembly contains repetitive sequences (56.34%) and 23,812 protein-coding genes, with 96.77% of them functionally annotated. This genome sequencing provides valuable genetic resources for studying the Reeve's moray eel and comparing eel genomes.