Whole-Genome Sequencing of two Listrura and five Microcambeva Species (Trichomycteridae, Siluriformes), Rare and Threatened catfishes from the Atlantic Forest.

Abstract

Listrura and Microcambeva are two genera of small, rare and elusive catfishes of the Trichomycteridae family, endemic to the Atlantic Forest coastal drainages in Brazil. Listrura comprises 13 species with slender bodies, absent pelvic fins, and a distinct caudal-fin and caudal-peduncle morphology, while Microcambeva includes eight species with translucent bodies, typically buried in sandy substrates with exposed nasal barbels. The two genera inhabit fragile environments that are undergoing accelerated degradation, with Listrura camposae and L. nematopteryx classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR), and L. picinguabae as "Near Threatened" (NT). Microcambeva species face similar threats, with M. bendego proposed as CR and M. draco as "Endangered" (EN). Over the past two decades, collection efforts and taxonomic descriptions have expanded the diversity of these two genera, with descriptions of 11 species of Listrura and seven of Microcambeva species in that period. To address gaps in genetic data for those taxa, we herein present draft version of whole-genome sequences for two Listrura species - L. nematopteryx and L. boticario - and five Microcambeva species - M. barbata, M. watu, M. jucuensis, M. bendego, and M. ribeirae. These genomic data are critical for future studies on the evolutionary history and systematics of these unique catfishes, contributing to foundational knowledge of their biodiversity.