# Genome assembly and annotation of Acropora pulchra from Mo’orea French Polynesia

## TL;DR

This paper provides a detailed genome and DNA methylation map for the coral species Acropora pulchra from French Polynesia, aiding conservation and genetic studies.

## Contribution

The study presents the most complete genome assembly for Acropora pulchra, including DNA methylation data, enhancing coral genomics and conservation research.

## Key findings

- The genome assembly has a BUSCO completeness of 96.7% for metazoan genes.
- The assembly includes 40,518 predicted protein-coding genes and 16.74% repetitive sequences.
- DNA methylation in the CpG context is measured at 14.6%.

## Abstract

Reef-building corals are integral ecosystem engineers of tropical reefs but face threats from climate change. Investigating genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors influencing their adaptation is critical. Genomic resources are essential for understanding coral biology and guiding conservation efforts. However, genomes of the coral genus Acropora are limited to highly-studied species. Here, we present the assembly and annotation of the genome and DNA methylome of Acropora pulchra from Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Using long-read PacBio HiFi and Illumina RNASeq, we generated the most complete Acropora genome to date (BUSCO completeness of 96.7% metazoan genes). The assembly size is 518 Mbp, with 174 scaffolds, and a scaffold N50 of 17 Mbp. We predicted 40,518 protein-coding genes and 16.74% of the genome in repeats. DNA methylation in the CpG context is 14.6%. This assembly of the A. pulchra genome and DNA methylome will support studies of coastal corals in French Polynesia, aiding conservation and comparative studies of Acropora and cnidarians.