Aquaculture researchers decode the genome of the African catfish to advance modern breeding approaches

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Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf have decoded the genome of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), in collaboration with international partners.

The study, which was recently published in the journal Scientific Data, represents a milestone for genetic research in animal and aquaculture husbandry.

The African catfish is one of the most important species in global fish production. It is widely used in aquaculture due to its rapid growth rate, adaptability to different environmental conditions and resistance to disease. Despite its importance, the genome of this species has so far only been partially decoded. With the help of the latest sequencing technologies, it has now been possible to decode the genome in detail and analyze it completely.

In the current study, a haplotype-resolved, near complete (T2T, "telomere-to-telomere") genome assembly was performed, which represents 99.96% of the genome. This makes it possible to analyze the inherited parental chromosomes independently of each other, which is particularly important for understanding genetic diversity. The genome of the African catfish comprises approximately 969.62 million base pairs and its diploid chromosome set consists of 56 chromosomes.

Tool for further research

"The genome decoding not only enables us to further improve the breeding and keeping of the African catfish in aquaculture, but also provides valuable insights into the evolutionary biology of fish," says Prof Dr. Tom Goldammer, head of the Fish Genetics working group at the FBN.

"With our research, we have taken a major step towards further research into this fascinating species. The data is a valuable tool for future studies and will be made available to the scientific community worldwide," Goldammer continued.

Genome project strengthens catfish breeding in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The African catfish is particularly adaptable and, in addition to gill breathing, has also developed the ability to utilize oxygen from the air. The 50 genes that control this mechanism have now been identified, which can further advance evolutionary research and enable exciting research approaches to this physiological peculiarity.

Following the reference genome for the pike perch, the FBN has now created the basic prerequisite for modern breeding approaches for this species with the African catfish, another economically relevant aquaculture fish species.

In Germany, for example, Nutrition & Food GmbH in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania produces around 500 tons of this fish species every year for commercial kitchens, hospitals, schools and restaurants. The knowledge gained will help to improve animal welfare in African catfish farming and reduce emissions in production in the future.

More information: Julien A. Nguinkal et al, Haplotype-resolved and near-T2T genome assembly of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Scientific Data (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03906-9

Journal information: Scientific Data

Provided by Forschungsinstitut für Nutztierbiologie (FBN)