# The genome sequence of the freshwater leech, Erpobdella octoculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hirudinida: Erpobdellidae)

## TL;DR

This paper presents the genome sequence of the freshwater leech Erpobdella octoculata, providing a detailed genetic reference for this species.

## Contribution

The study provides a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly for Erpobdella octoculata as part of a broader biodiversity initiative.

## Key findings

- The genome assembly is 386.12 megabases long, with 98.81% scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
- A mitochondrial genome of 19.12 kilobases was also assembled.
- Gene annotation identified 19,465 protein-coding genes.

## Abstract

We present a genome assembly from an individual
Erpobdella octoculata (leeches; Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida; Erpobdellidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 386.12 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.81%) is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 19.12 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19 465 protein-coding genes. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces reference genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.