In a breakthrough for conservation biology, Chinese researchers have unlocked the near-complete genetic blueprint of Bagarius rutilus – a critically endangered fish fighting for survival in Yunnan's rivers. 🌊 The achievement, published last month in Scientific Data, represents the most complete catfish genome ever mapped at 98.17% coverage.
The joint team from Yangtze River and Pearl River fisheries institutes spent years decoding this aquatic puzzle. 🧩 Their work reveals 29,106 protein-coding genes that could explain how the species thrives in fast-flowing waters – crucial knowledge for artificial breeding programs.
Once abundant in the Yuanjiang-Red River basin, these bottom-dwelling giants have seen populations crash by 90% since 2000 due to dams, pollution, and invasive species. 😢 'This genome is like getting the instruction manual for saving a species,' said lead researcher Liu Yaqiu.
Conservationists are already using the data to design targeted protection strategies. Next steps include creating DNA databases to monitor wild populations and developing captive breeding protocols. 💻🔍 With only scattered wild groups remaining, scientists say this genetic roadmap might be the fish's last best hope.
