Epinephelus itajara Whole-genome sequencing, assembly and population genomics.

Epinephelus itajara, commonly known as the Atlantic Goliath grouper, is the largest grouper species in the western North Atlantic and in Colombia is classified as critically endangered. This species has important ecological, cultural, and economic value, and has been the focus of captive breeding efforts at the Oceanario of the Rosario Islands, Colombia. The present genome assembly, together with population genomic analyses, provides a valuable resource to investigate the genetic diversity, evolutionary history, and reproductive biology of E. itajara, supporting conservation strategies and selective breeding programs. This research was conducted under collection permit Res. No. 244 of October 2, 2024 (PIR 007-2024), granted by Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (PNN) Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, to whom credit is duly acknowledged for their support and authorization.