Next-generation sequencing yields the complete mitochondrial genome of Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Loricariidae; Siluriformes)

In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of Pterygoplichthys pardalis has derived by next-generation sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. pardalis contains 16,425 bp encompassing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). The base composition is A 31.79%, C 26.89%, G 14.63%, and T 26.69%, and its gene arrangement is consistent with mitochondrial genomes derived from other representatives of Loricariidae. A phylogenetic tree of 24 Loricariidae species constructed based on the 13 coding genes shows that P. pardalis is clustered with other Pterygoplichthys genus. It suggests that the molecular classification results confirm its external morphological characteristics. These results have reference value for the further study of phylogenetic relationship, taxonomic classification, and phylogeography of Loricariidae.