Odontobutis sinensis

The Odontobutis sinensis is a commercially important benthic fish endemic to China, yet its wild populations have sharply declined due to habitat degradation and overfishing, prompting an urgent need for conservation and aquaculture development. Previous studies on this species have been limited to karyotype analysis and mitochondrial markers, leaving a gap in genomic resources. Here we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly of O. sinensis, which will serve as a fundamental resource for investigating its adaptive evolution, population genetic structure, and demographic history, as well as facilitating marker-assisted breeding and comparative genomics within Odontobutidae. This genome is expected to contribute significantly to both basic evolutionary biology and the sustainable utilization of this valuable resource.