Updated occurrence, habitat associations, and genomic resources of syngnathids in the Sembilan Archipelago, Malaysia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Syngnathid fishes, including seahorses and pipefishes, are ecologically and economically important but remain vulnerable to overfishing, habitat degradation, and trade-driven exploitation. This study documents syngnathid occurrence, habitat associations, body-size observations, and genomic resources in the Sembilan Archipelago, Malaysia, using SCUBA-based visual surveys and high-resolution photographic analysis. Across 32 dives at seven reef sites, we recorded 54 occurrence records belonging to four species: Hippocampus kuda , H. comes , Doryrhamphus janssi , and Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus . Species differed in their observed habitat associations, while size–depth relationships varied among species. A brooding male and two juvenile seahorses provided evidence of local reproductive activity during the survey period. To establish baseline genomic resources for Malaysian syngnathids, we generated high-quality PacBio HiFi genome assemblies for six individuals from three species, with genome sizes ranging from 0.45–0.61 Gbp and BUSCO completeness scores of 92.3–98.8%. The assemblies were characterized through repeat annotation, protein-coding gene prediction, orthology analysis, and phylogenomics. Complete mitochondrial genomes were generated for all six individuals. These genomic resources provide a foundation for future comparative and population genomic studies of genetic diversity, connectivity, and evolutionary relationships. Together, the ecological observations and genomic resources provide a baseline for future standardized monitoring and conservation research on Malaysian syngnathids.
Source: Frontiers in Marine Science
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7225773912