Mitochondrial genome analysis of Mylochromis lateristriga

Mylochromis lateristriga is a species of cichlid endemic and prefers sheltered bays or vegetated substrates. In this study, the mitochondrial genome of M. lateristriga was completed using PCR and Sanger sequencing method. The genome is a circular molecule with the length of 16 576 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer tRNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes. Except COX1 gene, the other protein-coding genes are started with ATG. The average A + T content is 54.1%. Gene overlaps have been found at four junctions and have involved a total of 26 bp. Compared with other cichlid species, the genome exhibits high similarity in both the genome size and the genome structure. ML phylogenetic analysis was implemented with other 20 related species to verity the genetic relationship of M. lateristriga.