The complete mitochondrial genome of the blue runner, Caranx crysos (Mitchill, 1815) (Teleostei: Carangidae)

Caranx crysos was collected from offshore of Sierra Leone and its complete mitochondrial genome was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The circular mitogenome encoded a typical 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 22 tRNA genes. An unusual start codon (GTG) was identified for the COX1 gene, and incomplete stop codons (T–/TA–) were found in seven genes, including ND2, ND3, ND4, COX2, COX3, ATP6, and CytB. All tRNAs were predicted to fold into the typical clover-leaf structures, except for tRNA(Ser-GCT), which lacks the D-arm. C. crysos formed a monoclade with the tree other species belonging to the genus Caranx, apart from the others. Among them, C. crysos was most closely related to Caranx melampygus and Caranx tille. The mitogenome sequence of C. crysos provides information for a better understanding of evolutionary relationships, systemic, and mitogenomic study within the family Carangidae.