Furthering our exploration of genomic correlates of pelagic life, particularly those involving symbioses, we’re delighted to publish two more reference genomes for scyphozoans. Importantly, we’re increasing the phylogenetic and phenotypic diversity of genera and families in our dataset by adding Pelagia (Pelagiidae) and Pseudhorhiza (Lycnhorhizidae). We added the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) to represent an extreme example of pelagic adaptation – it is one of few holoplanktonic species of Discomedusae – that has therefore long been a species of intrigue and considerable research interest. Likewise, Pseudorhiza aurosa has also been enigmatic, though for quite different reasons: it is one of the two most southerly distributed rhizostomes, has curious morphological features, and is one of the least studied medusae.
Pitt, K.A., M.N Dawson, P.E. Diaz, G. Oatley, E. Sinclair, E. Aunin, N. Gettle, C. Santos, M. Paulini, H. Niu, V. McKenna, R. O’Brien, Wellcome Sanger Institute (Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team, Scientific Operations, Core Informatics), EBI Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Data Portal team, and Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Management team. 2026. The chromosomal genome sequence of Pseudorhiza aurosa von Lendenfeld, 1882 (Rhizostomeae: Lychnorhizidae) and its associated microbial metagenome sequences [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. Wellcome Open Res, 11:681 (https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.27603.1)
Leclère, L., M. Boosten, M.N Dawson, G. Oatley, E. Sinclair, E. Aunin, N. Gettle, C. Santos, M. Paulini, H. Niu, V. McKenna, R. O’Brien, et al. 2026. The chromosomal genome sequence of the mauve stinger jellyfish, Pelagia noctiluca (Forsskål, 1775) (Semaeostomeae: Pelagiidae) [version 1]. Wellcome Open Research, 11:552 (https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.27407.1)