Complete mitochondrial genome of Mahachai betta, Betta mahachaiensis (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)

Abstract

Mahachai bettas (Betta mahachaiensis) are distributed in areas of brackish water with Nipa Palms in Samut Sakhon, Thailand but urbanization is restricting their biodiversity. A complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. mahachaiensis was determined to support conservation programs. Mitogenome sequences were 16,980 bp in length with slight AT bias (61.91%), containing 37 genes with identical order to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. mahachaiensis showed a closer relationship with B. splendens. Results will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of the betta to improve conservation programs.