Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Spheciospongia vesparium (Demospongiae, Clionaida, Clionaidae).

The Loggerhead sponge (Spheciospongia vesparium) is an ecologically important marine species of sponge that provides habitat and food sources to biodiversity hotspots in the Caribbean Sea and along the coasts of Florida. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the sponge, S. vesparium was sequenced and reported. The mitochondrial genome of S. vesparium was 21,763 base pairs, and consisted of 14 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The total nucleotide content comprised 31.01% A, 36.04% T, 11.08% C, and 21.88% G, with a lower GC content of 32.95%. This study provides a phylogenetic analysis of S. vesparium and relative sponges in Demospongiae.