The complete mitochondrial genome of black sea cucumber <i>Holothuria leucospilota</i> (Aspidochirotida holothuriidae)

Abstract

The black sea cucumber, <i>Holothuria leucospilota</i>, is an ecologically and economically important holothuroid in China due to broader environmental adaptation and valuable pharmacological compounds. However, the wild stocks of <i>H. leucospilota</i>, have been declining steadily due to overexploitation in recent years. The stock enhancement programme has become an increasingly important priority. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>H. leucospilota</i>. The mitogenome has 15,839 base pairs (57.6% A + T content) and made up of total of 37 genes (13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNAs and 2 ribosomal RNAs), and a putative control region. The complete mitogenomes of <i>H. leucospilota</i> will provide useful genetic information for future conservation and management of this valuable and vulnerable species.