Mitochondrial genome of eight Carangidae and phylogenetic analysis in the family

Abstract

The Carangidae family is a prime focus for both deep-sea fishing and aquaculture. However, taxonomic controversies have limited Carangidae research. This study assembled the mitochondrial genomes of eight Carangidae species using second-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, then performed phylogenetic analyses. Mitochondrial genome sizes were: Megalaspis cordyla (16,565bp; OR703829), Elagatis bipinnulata (16,543bp; OR668919), Scomberoides tol (16,689bp; OR668917), Selaroides leptolepis (16,560bp; OR703831), Decapterus maruadsi (16,540bp; OP459436), Alepes kleinii (16,570bp; OR668918), Caranx sexfasciatus (16,595bp; OR703830), and Carangoides orthogrammus (16,604bp; OR668920). This study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the species for Scomberoides tol, Carangoides orthogrammus, and Caranx sexfasciatus. The genomes contained two rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and 22–23 tRNAs, all with A+T bias. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a genetic distance of 0.002 between Uraspis secunda and U. helvola, suggesting that they are synonymous. The genetic distance between A. kleinii and A. djedaba was 0.082, reflecting their presence in the same genus. Intrageneric distance was greater than intergeneric distance between C. equula and C. orthogrammu, inconsistent with their taxonomic status. Finally, Seriolina and Caranginae were closely related, as were Trachinotinae and Chorineminae. In conclusion, our results provide breeding resources and an empirical basis for resolving Carangidae taxonomy.