ABSTRACT
The complete mitochondrial DNA information of Pseudotolithus typus Bleeker, 1863, collected from Sierra Leone was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinfromatic analysis. Its mitogenome (16,504 bp) encoded the typical 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (12S & 16S), and 22 tRNAs. All 13 PCGs showed a standard start codon (ATG) but an unusual stop codon (AGA) was identified in COX1 gene. Except for ND6, all 12 PCGs were encoded on the light strand. Except for tRNASer-GCT, 21 tRNAs formed the typical clover-leaf structures. Phylogenetic analysis showed three mitochondrial genomes in the genus Pseudotolithus formed a clade distinct from the other species in the same family. The mitogenome of P. typus identified in this study exhibited 96.27% and 88.86% identity to T. typus in the Guinean water and P. elongatus, respectively. Additional mitogenome sequences of Pseudotolithus species will provide useful information for their scientific management in western African countries.
