Filopaludina javanica, known as “tutut jawa,” is a freshwater gastropod species endemic to Indonesia that holds significant ecological, economic, and cultural value. It maintains aquatic ecosystem balance by consuming decaying organic matter, algae, and periphyton, thereby helping to keep waters clean and preventing eutrophication (a nutrient buildup that can trigger algal blooms). As a food source for various predator such as fish, waterfowl, and other animals, the species plays a crucial role in sustaining the food web. F. javanica can accumulate heavy metals in its body, making it a frequent subject in studies monitoring heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments. Its presence or absence serves as a natural indicator of water quality, given its sensitivity to pollution and environmental changes. In certain regions of Indonesia, tutut jawa is consumed as a traditional source of protein. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine, although claims regarding its therapeutic benefits require further scientific investigation.

With the availability of a reference genome, F. javanica has the potential to be developed into a tropical freshwater model organism, much like Oryzias javanicus (medaka) serves as a model in ecotoxicological and environmental studies. The species’ ability to adapt to low-oxygen and polluted aquatic habitats offers significant opportunities for research into environmental biology, stress resistance, and molecular responses to pollutants. Through this project, we aim to assemble a high-quality reference genome for F. javanica using the PacBio Revio platform and make the data publicly accessible to support research on biodiversity, evolution, and the utilization of this native Indonesian species.