Chromosome-level genome assembly of the bitterling Rhodeus sinensis (Acheilognathidae) reveals genomic signatures associated with its mussel-dependent reproductive system.

Abstract

Bitterlings (Acheilognathidae) exhibit a unique reproductive strategy characterized by symbiotic embryonic development inside the gill cavities of freshwater unionid mussels. Despite extensive ecological and physiological research on this system, genomic resources for bitterlings have remained limited, hindering comparative and evolutionary studies. Here, we present a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly for Rhodeus sinensis, a widely distributed bitterling species in the Korean Peninsula. By combining PacBio Continuous Long Read (CLR) sequencing, Illumina short reads, and Hi-C scaffolding, we generated a 0.77 Gb genome assembly with a scaffold N50 of 30.06 Mb. The final assembly comprises 24 chromosome-scale scaffolds, accounting for 98.3% of the assembled genome, with a BUSCO completeness score of 96.3% against the Actinopterygii_odb10. Comparative genomic analyses identified prominent expansions in gene families associated with alcohol metabolism, lipid catabolism, and oxidative stress responses. These genomic signatures of metabolic rewiring suggest a potential fuel flexibility, which may serve as a critical adaptive mechanism to mitigate the severe hypoxic stress encountered within the host mussel's gill environment. Ultimately, our chromosome-level genome assembly and findings provide a robust genomic foundation, contributing to a deeper understanding of the extreme physiological adaptations and unique life-history evolution within the Acheilognathidae.