Identification of the complete mitochondrial genome of the king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus (Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae: Aptenodytes).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus was firstly determined. The mitogenome is 17,477 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region. The total nucleotide composition is 31.0% A, 22.2% T, 33.1% C, and 13.8% G, with a total A + T content of 53.2%. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrates a close relationship between A. patagonicus and A. forsteri. These results provide fundamental information for further phylogeny and genetic studies on Aptenodytes genus.