The complete mitochondrial genome of pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927) (perciformes: serranidae).

Pseudanthias pascalus (Jordan & Tanaka, 1927) (Perciformes: Serranidae) is a species of brightly colored saltwater fish found in tropical coastal reef communities. In this study, we reported the sequence of mitochondrial DNA from P. pascalus. The accession number is OP611422. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus was 16,863 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12S and 16S rRNAs, 22 tRNA genes, and one displacement loop (D-loop). Most PCGs had ATG-start codons and TAA-end codons. The A + T contents were 54.61%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pascalus is most closely related to Pseudanthias huchtii. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of P. pascalus, providing improved marker identification information for the classification of the family and species conservation. These data will be useful for relative ecological and phylogenetic studies.

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Efficacy of Steroidal Saponins for Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Hybrid Grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × â™‚Epinephelus lanceolatu) Fed Higher-Lipid Diets.

An analysis of the extent of the effect of steroidal saponin addition on glucose and lipid metabolism in hybrid grouper liver was performed at the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Feeds (52% crude protein, 14% crude lipid) were prepared containing 0% (S0), 0.1% (S0.1), and 0.2% (S0.2) steroidal saponins. After eight weeks of feeding trial, compared to the S0 group, the activities of serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase were significantly lower and the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the livers of the S0.1 group were significantly higher than those of the S0 group, while the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that of the S0 group (p < 0.05). There were forty-two differentially expressed genes and thirty-two differential metabolites associated with glucose and lipid metabolism enriched using KEGG and GO. In the S0 group, the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, prostaglandin E synthase 1, and thromboxane-2 synthase mRNA was significantly higher than in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of genes in the S0 group were significantly higher than those in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05), including for glycogen synthase kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose transporter 4, and malate dehydrogenase. The expression of mRNA such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 was significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group, while the expression of carnitine acyltransferase 1, acyl-CoA synthetase, and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase genes was significantly higher in the S0 group (p < 0.05). In summary, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were inhibited by 0.1% steroidal saponins, and glycogenolysis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway were activated. This study aims to provide a reference for the formulation of grouper feeds with a higher crude-lipid level.

First record of Boulenger's anthias Sacura boulengeri (Heemstra 1973) in the Red Sea.

In November 2020, we observed several individuals and collected one juvenile of an unidentified anthiadine fish (Serranidae) between depths of 250 and 307 m near vertical walls of rocky reefs in the northern Red Sea. Further morphological and molecular analyses revealed that the collected specimen matches Sacura boulengeri, a species previously reported only from the Gulf of Oman to India.

Description of two new species of Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) infecting the gallbladder of Epinephelinae fishes from Tunisian waters using morphological and molecular data.

Ceratomyxa marginati n. sp. and C. aenei n. sp. are two new coelozoic myxosporean species infecting the gallbladder of the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and the white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus), respectively. These two ceratomyxids were described using morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the SSU rDNA. Ceratomyxa marginati n. sp. exhibits disporic plasmodia measuring 12-14 µm long and 11-12 µm wide and mature myxospores which are slightly crescent-shaped, measuring 6.0 ± 0.3 (5.6-6.8) µm in length and 12.9 ± 0.9 (11.5-14.0) µm in thickness. Plasmodia of C. aenei n. sp. were disporic and ellipsoidal and measured 28-32 µm in length and 19-22 µm in width. Mature myxospores of C. aenei n. sp. were elongated with unequal shell valves and measured 7.4 ± 0.6 (6.9-9.0) µm in length and 26.9 ± 2.4 (23.2-30.0) µm in thickness. Based on the SSU rDNA sequences, Ceratomyxa marginati n. sp. and C. aenei n. sp. are distinct from all other Ceratomyxa sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the two new species branched together within a clade with other Ceratomyxa species from different host families and different geographical localities with maximum support (100%).

Molecular Characterization, Tissue Distribution and Differential Nutritional Regulation of Three n-3 LC-PUFA Biosynthesis-Related Genes in Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂).

Elongases of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovls) and fatty acid desaturases (Fads) are crucial enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). In this paper, we report the molecular cloning and characterization of three genes from the marine teleost Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂, and analyzed tissue distribution and their expression in response to dietary n-3 LC-PUFA levels after a 42-day feeding experiment. The elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 genes encoded 294, 263 and 445 amino acids, respectively, which exhibited all the characteristics of the Elovl and Fads family. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 were widely transcribed in various tissues, with the highest level in the brain, as described in other carnivorous marine teleosts. The transcript levels of elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 in the liver were significantly affected by dietary n-3 LC-PUFA, and higher LC-PUFA levels repressed their expression. These results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence and nutritional modulation of elovl5, elovl8 and fads2 cDNA in the juvenile hybrid grouper. Further studies are needed to determine the functional characterization of these genes and explore the mechanism of these genes when regulated by dietary fatty lipid profiles in this species.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid grouper Hyporthodus septemfasciatus (♀)×Epinephelus moara (♂) (Perciformes, Serranidae) and results of a phylogenetic analysis.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid grouper Hyporthodus septemfasciatus (♀)×Epinephelus moara (♂) was obtained by next-generation sequencing. The mitochondrial genome was 16,499 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). The overall base composition is 28.62% A, 28.27% C, 16.27% G, and 26.84% T with 55.46% A + T. In the maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis, the hybrid grouper belonged to the same clade as H. septemfasciatus (maternal inheritance).

Zschokkella epinepheli n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxidiidae) infecting the gallbladder of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus (Serranidae) from Tunisian waters.

A new coelozoic myxosporean species, Zschokkella epinepheli n. sp., collected from the gallbladder of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus (Perciformes: Serranidae) from the bay of Bizerte, Tunisia, is described based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Myxospores and plasmodia were observed floating free in the bile. Mature plasmodia were polysporic and subspherical in shape, measuring 85.0-94.0 µm long and 70.0-82.0 µm wide. Mature myxospores were ovoid in valvular view, measuring 10.0 ± 1.7 (8.0-11.0) µm in length and 7.0 ± 0.3 (6.6-7.5) µm in width. Polar capsules were pyriform and equal in size, measuring 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.8-3.6) µm in length and 2.3 ± 0.3 (1.8-2.7) µm in width. Myxospore valves had 12-14 longitudinal striations. Based on the small subunit rDNA, the new species Z. epinepheli n. sp. differs from all other Zschokkella species for which there is a DNA sequence deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Z. epinepheli n. sp. clustered in the marine subclade of Zschokkella species within the biliary tract IV clade. This is the first report of a Zschokkella species from the gallbladder of an epinephelin fishes.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus (Perciformes, Serranidae) and a comparative analysis with other Serranidae species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus, which belongs to the family Serranidae, was determined. The complete mitochondrial genome measured 16,578 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of E. aeneus was typical of vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis conducted using the mitochondrial genomes of 13 related species showed that E. aeneus clustered with other Serranidae species. This mitochondrial genome provides an important resource for addressing taxonomic issues and developing conservation strategies.

Epinephelus sicanus (Doderlein, 1882) (Perciformes: Serranidae: Epinephelinae), a valid species of grouper from the Mediterranean Sea.

During the editing of the paper "In memory of Pietro Doderlein" (Massa et al. 2018), consulting Doderlein's bibliography, and highlighting some interesting documents and the material preserved in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Palermo (MZPA) (today named after Doderlein), a taxonomic anomaly was noticed about a grouper collected more than one hundred years ago. The aim of the present statement is to prove that the name Cerna sicana Doderlein, 1882 (presently as Epinephelus sicanus [Doderlein, 1882]) should be considered a valid species unless it is demonstrated that it is a synonym of another valid species. In 1882 Doderlein described Cerna sicana from a single specimen (Fig. 1). The holotype is a female, composed of three parts: MZPA-P/46 comprising the stuffed specimen bearing the external anatomical features (Fig. 1), MZPA-AN/440 comprising the dry gill arches and the heart (Fig. 2), and MZPA-AN/1233 comprising the vertebral column (Fig. 3). The eyes and the digestive and reproductive organs, originally stored in liquid, are lost. The specimen was collected in the central Mediterranean Sea along the coast of northern Sicily (Palermo), southern Italy, in December 1882 and deposited at the Museum of Zoology "P. Doderlein" of the University of Palermo. Later Doderlein (1889) moved the species to the genus Epinephelus Bloch, 1793. About his new species, Doderlein (1882) wrote (translated from Italian): "Serranus Cernioides, Brito Capello, and Serranus Caninus, Val., are those most related to this … It should be established if its characters could allow it to be described as a new species or if they could be anomalies of one of the previously cited species. In order to highlight the peculiar characters, I tentatively decide to name it Serranus or Cerna Sicana, after the locality where it was caught". Doderlein (1889) wrote about the new species to D.S. Jordan[1] then at the Indiana University of Bloomington (USA), who replied that he considered E. sicanus as a valid species, and that Jordan noted two other adults and a third young specimen collected in Brazil, in 1865, in the Louis Agassiz collection, preserved in the Museum of Cambridge (presently Museum of Comparative Zoology-MCZ, Harvard University, USA) that he considered as possibly conspecific with E. sicanus. According to A. Williston (MCZ curator, pers. comm.) two likely candidates for these Jordan-Doderlein specimens are still present in the museum (voucher codes MCZ 9787 and MCZ 9788), identified as "Epinephelus (allied to nigritus, perhaps new)". Soon after, Jordan Eigenmann (1890) synonymized Cerna sicana with Epinephelus merus (Poey, 1868). Subsequently, Boulenger (1895) synonymized Epinephelus merus and E. sicanus with Epinephelus nigritus (Holbrook, 1855), apparently without observing the holotype of C. sicana as argued by Tortonese (1956). [1]       Jordan (1891) described Symphodus doderleini with the following etymology: "We have given to it the new name of Symphodus doderleini, in honor of our excellent friend Prof. Pietro Doderlein of the University of Palermo"; this is a proof of the esteem that he had for him.

New records of spirurid nematodes (Nematoda, Spirurida, Guyanemidae, Philometridae & Cystidicolidae) from marine fishes off New Caledonia, with redescriptions of two species and erection of Ichthyofilaroides n. gen.

Recent examinations of spirurid nematodes (Spirurida) from deep-sea or coral reef marine fishes off New Caledonia, collected in the years 2006-2009, revealed the presence of the following five species: Ichthyofilaroides novaecaledoniensis (Moravec et Justine, 2009) n. gen., n. comb. (transferred from Ichthyofilaria Yamaguti, 1935) (females) (Guyanemidae) from the deep-sea fish Hoplichthys citrinus (Hoplichthyidae, Scorpaeniformes), Philometra sp. (male fourth-stage larva and mature female) (Philometridae) from Epinephelus maculatus (Serranidae, Perciformes), Ascarophis (Dentiascarophis) adioryx Machida, 1981 (female) (Cystidicolidae) from Sargocentron spiniferum (Holocentridae, Beryciformes), Ascarophis (Ascarophis) nasonis Machida, 1981 (males and females) from Naso lituratus and N. unicornis (Acanthuridae, Perciformes), and Ascarophisnema tridentatum Moravec et Justine, 2010 (female) from Gymnocranius grandoculis (Lethrinidae, Perciformes). Two species, I. novaecaledoniensis and A. nasonis, are redescribed based on light microscopical (LM) and scanning electron microscopical (SEM) examinations, the latter used in these species for the first time. Morphological data on the specimen of A. tridentatum from the new host species are provided. Philometra sp. (from E. maculatus) most probably represents a new gonad-infecting species of this genus. The newly established genus Ichthyofilaroides n. gen. is characterized mainly by the presence of a small buccal capsule and by the number and distribution of cephalic papillae in the female; it is the sixth genus in the Guyanemidae.

TITLE: Nouvelles mentions de nématodes spirurides (Nematoda, Spirurida, Guyanemidae, Philometridae & Cystidicolidae) de poissons marins de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, avec redescriptions de deux espèces et érection d'Ichthyofilaroides n. gen. ABSTRACT: L'étude récente de nématodes Spirurida de poissons marins de mer profonde ou des récifs coralliens au large de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, collectés dans les années 2006-2009, a révélé la présence des cinq espèces suivantes : Ichthyofilaroides novaecaledoniensis (Moravec et Justine, 2009) n. gen., n. comb. (transféré depuis Ichthyofilaria Yamaguti, 1935) (femelles) (Guyanemidae) du poisson de profondeur Hoplichthys citrinus (Hoplichthyidae, Scorpaeniformes), Philometra sp. (larve mâle de quatrième stade et femelle mûre) (Philometridae) d'Epinephelus maculatus (Serranidae, Perciformes), Ascarophis (Dentiascarophis) adioryx Machida, 1981 (femelle) (Cystidicolidae) de Sargocentron spiniferum (Holocentridae, Beryciformes), Ascarophis (Ascarophis) nasonis Machida, 1981 (mâles et femelles) de Naso lituratus et N. unicornis (Acanthuridae, Perciformes), et Ascarophisnema tridentatum Moravec et Justine, 2010 (femelle) de Gymnocranius grandoculis (Lethrinidae, Perciformes). Deux espèces, I. novaecaledoniensis et A. nasonis, sont redécrites sur la base de la microscopie optique et de la microscopie électronique à balayage, cette dernière étant utilisée pour la première fois chez ces espèces. Des données morphologiques sur le spécimen d'A. tridentatum de la nouvelle espèce hôte sont fournies. Philometra sp. (d'E. maculatus) représente très probablement une nouvelle espèce infectant les gonades de ce genre. Le genre nouvellement établi Ichthyofilaroides n. gen. se caractérise principalement par la présence d'une petite capsule buccale et par le nombre et la répartition des papilles céphaliques chez la femelle. C'est le sixième genre des Guyanemidae.

Does trophic level drive organic and metallic contamination in coral reef organisms?

Metallic and organic pollutants constitute a serious threat for coral reef ecosystems, potentially affecting a great number of species interacting within complex trophodynamic processes. Pesticides, PCBs and trace elements were measured on coral reef communities of three Pacific islands (Moorea, Wallis and New Caledonia) in relation with δ15N values, a proxy of trophic level. Several potential sources of organic matter, benthic invertebrates and fish belonging to various trophic strategies were sampled at each island. Wallis and New Caledonia displayed, respectively, the highest concentrations of pesticides and trace elements. In the three islands, most trace element concentrations (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and V) decreased when δ15N was rising (i.e. bioreduction), whereas Hg and Se biomagnified with increasing δ15N values. Only few trace elements in some islands did not show any significant trend in relation with δ15N (i.e., Ag in New Caledonia, Zn in Wallis and As plus Zn in Moorea). PCBs concentrations showed a significant bioreduction in New Caledonia and in Moorea, but a significant biomagnification in Wallis. Aldrin and heptachlor were the only pesticides to show a similar significant bioreduction in the three islands. Other pesticides, such as chlordecone, diazinon, endosulfan I and II, heptachlor-epoxide A and B, lindane and pp'-DDE displayed contrasted patterns (e.g. chlordecone significantly biomagnified in New Caledonia, significantly bioreduced in Wallis and did not displayed any significant trend in Moorea). Finally, for unclear reasons, Moorea displayed only negative significant correlations between δ15N and all pesticides (except pp'-DDT). Our results highlight that trophic level, here assessed through δ15N values, is a good predictor of metallic trace elements biomagnification or bioreduction in coral reef organisms. However, at large spatial scale, trophic level relevance to predict pesticides and PCBs biomagnification or bioreduction should be considered with caution and studied in close relation with local characteristics.

Myxosporea (Cnidaria : Myxozoa) infecting the saddled seabream Oblada melanura (L. 1758) (Teleostei : Sparidae) and the painted comber Serranus scriba (L. 1758) (Teleostei : Serranidae) in Tunisia.

First parasitological surveys of Myxozoa are performed on the sparid saddled seabream Oblada melanura (Linnaeus, 1758) and the serranid painted comber Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758) caught from the Bay of Bizerte and the Gulf of Tunis respectively in Northeast Tunisia, Western Mediterranean. In this study, 6 bivalvulid myxosporean species belonging to the 3 genera Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892, Myxodavisia Zhao, Zhou, Kent & Whipps, 2008 and Zschokkella Auerbach, 1910, are isolated infecting their hosts. Two species Ceratomyxa sp. 1 ex O. melanura (Prevalence (P) = 36%) and Ceratomyxa sp. 2 ex O. melanura (P = 13%) infected the saddled seabream and four species Ceratomyxa sp. 1 ex S. scriba (P = 11.7%), Ceratomyxa sp. 2 ex S. scriba (P = 6.7%), Myxodavisia sp. (P = 8.3%) and Zschokkella sp. (P = 5.6%) infected the painted comber. These myxosporeans differ, in vegetative stages and/or in mature spores, from all the previously known congeneric species, and are described here on the basis of their morphological and morphometric features, their host and tissue specificities and their biogeographical distribution. This is the first report of myxosporean infections in O. melanura and S. scriba. The occurrence of two ceratomyxid species in each host species supports that the genus Ceratomyxa is host-specific not only in sparids but also in serranids, which agrees with data previously obtained from Sparidae in Mediterranean Sea and from Serranidae in GBR, Australia. A member of the myxosporean genus Myxodavisia is recorded from the Mediterranean Sea for the first time, and Zschokkella spp. infections have not previously been recorded from a host in Serranidae. During the examination, a several cases of Co-infection among myxosporeans, both with two and three species, are provided and statistically studied. Indeed, 5% of the breams and 9.4% of the combers are infected with more than one myxosporean parasite. The relationship between myxosporean infections and some biological parameters are pointed out. A higher prevalence of myxosporean infection is coincided with the peak period of spawning activity in May-June for S. scriba. For both hosts, analysis using Fulton's condition factor (K) has revealed no significant difference between infected and non-infected fishes. Clinically, no external signs of disease have been occurred in infected hosts, but some changes in the bile fluid, colour, and viscosity and in the gall bladder 's tissue are examined in S. scriba.

Landmark-based Morphometric and Meristic Analysis of Serranidae.

The landmark-based morphometric and meristic analysis of the kelp grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper (E. septemfasciatus) were performed to compare the differentiation of overall body shape and structure. The measurements of the morphometric dimensions were observed in 25 parts (truss dimension: 16 parts; head part dimension: 9 parts) of 38 morphometric dimensions and also meristic differences observed in 3 parts (dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin) of 6 meristic counts (P < 0.05). Observed morphometric characteristics primarily involved in truss and head part dimension, kelp grouper have larger values in caudal part of truss dimension, kelp grouper, red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper have similar values in pectoral part of truss dimension, in addition to, results of head part dimension showed that red spotted grouper have smaller values in overall dimensions (P < 0.05). As meristic characteristics, kelp grouper have more number of anal fin rays than other fish, red spotted grouper have more number of dorsal soft rays than other fish, and seven spotted grouper have more number of anal soft rays, and caudal fin rays than other fish (P < 0.05). Photographed under the x-ray, kelp grouper have the most curved vertebral column and largest swim bladder than other fishes (P < 0.05). Our results of this study confirmed that 3 subfamily fishes adequately can distinguish with external body shape, and we hope that the results of our study could be used to identify in Serranidae family as taxonomical parameters.

The first complete mitochondrial genome of Serranidae sp. (Percoidea, Serranidae) and phylogenetic analysis based on Bayesian.

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Serranidae sp. was determined first. The entire mitochondrial genome of Serranidae sp. is 16 512 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA) and 2 main non-coding regions (the control region and the origin of the light-strand replication). The gene arrangement, base composition and tRNA structures of Serranidae sp. are similar to most of the bony fishes. The central conserved sequence blocks (CSB-1, CSB-2, and CSB-3) and the core sequence (ACATATATGT) of terminal-associated sequences were recognized in the control region. Meanwhile, the conserved motif 5'-GCCGG-3' was identified in the origin of light-strand replication of Serranidae sp. Phylogenetic tree, which is constructed based on the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Serranidae sp., shows that Serranidae sp. is clustered with the fishes of the family Pentacerotidae. We expect that the mitochondrial genome of Serranidae sp. would play a key role in phylogenetic analysis of Serranidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus lanceolatus (Perciformes: Serranidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus lanceolatus was presented in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,743 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of E. lanceolatus mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 26.55% of A, 15.02% of C, 29.67% of T and 28.76% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus corallicola (Perciformes: Serranidae).

We presented the complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus corallicola in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,647 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of Epinephelus corallicola mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 26.60% of A, 15.89% of C, 28.66% of T and 28.85% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides (Perciformes, Serranidae).

We present the complete mitochondrial genome of Epinephelus coioides in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,458 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. All of them are encoded on the heavy strand except ND6 and 8 tRNA genes on the light strand. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 28.88% of G, 28.75% of T, 26.58% of A and 15.80% of C. All the protein-coding genes share ATG initiation codon except ATP6 with CTG and COXI with GTG, and four types of inferred termination codons are T (ND2, COXII, ND3, ND4 and Cytb), TA (COXIII), TAA (ND1, ATP8, ND4L, ND5, ATP6 and COXI) and TAG (ND6). There are 10 intergenic spacers, 5 gene overlaps and no tandem repeat sequence. Gene arrangement and distribution are consistent with the typical vertebrates.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus akaara (Perciformes: Serranidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus akaara was presented in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,743 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of Epinephelus akaara mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 27.31% of A, 16.20% of C, 28.68% of T and 27.81% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus tukula (Perciformes, Serranidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus tukula was presented in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,503 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of Epinephelus tukula mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 28.37% of A, 29.00% of C, 26.36% of T and 16.26% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and seven tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Perciformes: Serranidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Epinephelus fuscoguttatus was presented in this study. The mitochondrial genome is 16,648 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. The gene order and the composition of E. fuscoguttatus mitochondrial genome were similar to that of most other vertebrates. The nucleotide compositions of the light strand are 26.91% of A, 15.58% of C, 29.19% of T, and 28.32% of G. With the exception of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand.