The complete mitochondrial genome of Sarotherodon galilaeus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Cichlidae) and its phylogenetic placement

Sarotherodon galilaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), a cichlid species that is naturally distributed in African and Eurasian waters, was introduced in many Asian countries for aquaculture. To date, rare genetic studies focused on this species have hindered our understanding of this species. Here, we reported the complete mitochondrial genome of S. galilaeus that was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The resulting mitogenome of S. galilaeus was 16,630 in length and comprised 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and one control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Oreochromini species contained two lineages (I and II) and S. galilaeus clustered with Oreochromis aureus rather than other Sarotherodon species.