The complete mitochondrial genome of the longneck croaker, pseudotolithus typus Bleeker, 1863 from Sierra Leone

The complete mitochondrial DNA information of Pseudotolithus typus Bleeker, 1863, collected from Sierra Leone was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinfromatic analysis. Its mitogenome (16,504 bp) encoded the typical 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (12S & 16S), and 22 tRNAs. All 13 PCGs showed a standard start codon (ATG) but an unusual stop codon (AGA) was identified in COX1 gene. Except for ND6, all 12 PCGs were encoded on the light strand. Except for tRNA(Ser-GCT), 21 tRNAs formed the typical clover-leaf structures. Phylogenetic analysis showed three mitochondrial genomes in the genus Pseudotolithus formed a clade distinct from the other species in the same family. The mitogenome of P. typus identified in this study exhibited 96.27% and 88.86% identity to T. typus in the Guinean water and P. elongatus, respectively. Additional mitogenome sequences of Pseudotolithus species will provide useful information for their scientific management in western African countries.