Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Arius dispar(Siluriformes: Ariidae) and Phylogenetic Analysis Among Sea Catfishes

The mitochondrial genome(mitogenome) was 16792 bp in length, containing 13 protein coding genes(PCGs), two rRNA genes(12 S rRNA and 16 S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes, and two main non-coding regions. Among these 37 genes, 28 genes were encoded on the heavy strand, while 9 genes were transcribed on the light strand. The non-coding regions of A. dispar included a control region, a light strand replication and another 11 intergenic spacers. The CR of A. dispar contained 8 conserved sequence blocks(CSBs), a termination-associated sequence(TAS) and a pyrimidine tract. Phylogenetic analysis based on 12 PCGs revealed that A. dispar was genetically closest to Arius arius. The families Schilbeidae, Claroteidae, Mochokidae, and Ariidae formed a closely evolved clade. Molecular information from this research introduces mitogenomice data of A. dispar and suggests the phylogenetic relationships among Siluriformes.