Complete mitochondrial genome of mouthbrooding fighting fish (<i>Betta pi</i>) compared with bubble nesting fighting fish (<i>B. splendens</i>)

Abstract

<i>Betta pi</i> is the largest species of mouthbrooding fighting fish, while <i>B. splendens</i> is a globally ornamental bubble nesting fish. Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of wild individuals of <i>B. pi</i> and <i>B. splendens</i> were determined. The mitogenome sequences were 16,521 and 16,980 base pair in length, containing 37 genes with gene order identical to most teleost mitogenomes. Overall A + T content was 57.72% for <i>B. pi</i> and 61.92% for <i>B. splendens</i>. Phylogenetic analysis showed that <i>B. pi</i> and <i>B. splendens</i> were highly supported monophyletic clades. Our results will facilitate further genetic studies, including mitochondrial variations and population structure of fighting fishes.