The first de novo genome assembly and annotation of a green-blooded skink (Prasinohaema aff. flavipes)

The scincid genus Prasinohaema represents the only group of amniotes to possess green blood, resulting from the accumulation of the bile pigment biliverdin. Recent phylogenetic analyses have shown Prasinohaema to be polyphyletic with 4 independent origins for green blood. It is unknown why this trait has evolved in multiple instances and how Prasinohaema species are able to tolerate such high concentrations of a cytotoxic bile pigment. Here, we report the first de novo genome assembly and annotation for a green blooded skink, Prasinohaema aff. flavipes, which was sequenced from an ethanol preserved specimen that was collected more than 20 years ago. Our assembly comprises 907 contigs spanning 1.52 Gbp with contig N50 of 3.2 Mbp. The genome is highly complete, with a BUSCO completeness score of 97.76%, and will be a valuable source in examining the key genes, regulatory mechanisms, and functional mutations involved in the elevated biliverdin levels.