Genomic footprints of hybridization in North Atlantic eels (Anguilla spp.)

The primary goal of this study is to investigate the hybridization dynamics between European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). Despite numerous studies, many aspects of hybridization between the two species remain unknown. This study aims to clarify the hybrid status of Icelandic eels, confirm the presence of introgressed segments of the American eel genome in European eels outside Iceland and investigate gradients of admixture corresponding to transport distances from the Sargasso Sea, and explore ongoing adaptive introgression from American eel into European eel by identifying chromosomal segments with signatures of introgression and positive selection. This study enhances our understanding of the genomic and evolutionary interactions between these two species, providing insights into their conservation and management.