Next-generation Sequencing and De Novo Assembly of Genome from Gorsachius magnificus in Thousand Island Lake

In 2017, one rescued dead Gorsachius magnificus in Thousand Island Lake, Zhejiang province was collected for genome DNA extraction by next-generation sequencing and de novo assembly technique. The results showed that genome size was of G. magnificus 1.14Gbp. The N50 index of overlapping group was 77.8 Kbp, and the large fragment was 1.95 Mbp, indicating that the genome size could be de novo assemble. The whole-genome of 72Gbp was obtained, and the sequencing depth was about 56X. The phylogenetic relationship of G. magnificus was closer with Egretta garzetta Nipponia nippon than Pelecanus crispus and Phalacrocorax carbo. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that in terms of nocturnal adaptability, G. magnificus had a large number of unique genes. Like other nocturnal birds, it had a large number of candidate genes from diurnal birds in sensory, neurological and circadian rhythm regulation.