The complete mitochondrial genome study and phylogenetic analysis of Asiatic Water Snake (Fowlea piscator) using ‘Next-Generation Sequencing’ technology

Abstract

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of Asiatic Water snake or Checkered Keelback or Fowlea piscator (=Xenochrophis piscator) was carried out using Next-Generation Sequencing technology. The complete mitochondrial genome of Asiatic Water snake is 16,999bp long with a base composition of 33% A, 28% T, 12% G and 27% C, with a GC content of 39%. Like the typical snake mitochondrial genome, F. piscator also shows relatively similar mitogenome arrangement comprising 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and two non-coding regions or a duplicated control region (D-Loop) along with an origin of replication. Nine genes including eight tRNAs and NAD6 were encoded on the Light or L-strand. Phylogenetic analyses using the complete mitochondrial genome of F. piscator demonstrate a close relationship with the family Colubridae and sub family Natricinae.