Integrative taxonomy and genomics of the Brazilian electric rays (Torpediniformes: Narcinidae: Narcine)

• Grant number: 25/02671-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: June 23, 2025
• End date: December 19, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Claudio de Oliveira
• Grantee: Bruno Lopes da Silva Ferrette
• Supervisor: Axel Janke
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Senckenberg Biodiversity And Climate Research Centre, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/08871-2 - Integrative taxonomy and speciation genomics of the Brazilian electric rays (Torpediniformes: Narcinidae: Narcine), BP.PD

Abstract

In Brazil, the genus Narcine is represented by the electric rays or numbfishes N. brasiliensis, classified according to their conservation status as "Vulnerable" and by a non-formally described species (Narcine sp.), which makes them a priority for research aimed at biodiversity conservation. The taxonomic status of the species in the genus is still uncertain, and their genetic diversity and genetic population structure have never been evaluated. Thus, using a multidisciplinary approach of Integrative Taxonomy and speciation genomics, this project seeks to delimit and validate the species of the genus Narcine in the Southwest Atlantic, construct a high-quality reference genome for the species N. brasiliensis, and apply a seascape genomics approach. This information will be able to answer several questions about bioecology, molecular ecology, genetic diversity, evolution, demography, and the ability to adapt to climate change of these rays, generating data that can improve knowledge about Brazilian biodiversity and subsidize management and conservation plans.