The First Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence in the Genus Aphanius (Teleostei)

Abstract

In the present study, for the first time we isolated and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the endangered Farsi killifish Aphanius farsicus by long polymerase chain reaction amplification, and primer walking methods. The circular mitogenome of A. farsicus consisting of 16 485 base pairs encodes 13 polypeptides (protein-coding genes), the 12S and 16S ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs and an 884 bp D-loop control region. These genes are ordered in the same way as most other vertebrates. The overall nucleotide composition of this genome was 27.09 for A; 27.87 for T; 16.89 for G; and 28.14% for C (GC content of 45%, and AT content of 55%). The genus Aphanius has already been in the family Cyprinodontidae. However, the name Aphaniidae has recently been proposed as valid family for the members of the genus Aphanius (the Western Palaearctic killifishes), while the family Cyprinodontidae is restricted to the New World genera such as Cyprinodon, Floridichthys and Jordanella. Based on the phylogenetic relationships achieved in the present study, we recommend that the validation of family Aphaniidae still needs more phylogenetic supports, and this can be investigated by adding more sequences of the Aphanius species. The availability of this mitogenome will also provide a set of useful data for studying on population genetic diversity and molecular evolution and facilitate evaluations of A. farsicus genetic structure for management and conservation of this endangered species.