The complete mitochondrial genome of a vulnerable mandarin fish Coreoperca liui (Teleostei: Perciformes: Serranidae) from Qiandaohu Lake in China

Coreoperca liui as an approximate species of the genus Siniperca, provides an important source for the genetic diversity of the mandarin fish, which is valuable for the protection of biodiversity and utilization of germplasm resources. The complete mitochondrial genome of C. liui is 16,482 bp long and it consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum-likelihood method, based on 13 PCGs and two rRNA from 13 species produced three major clades. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. liui is most closely related to Coreoperca whiteheadi. Our results provide useful information for understanding the phylogeny of the genus Coreoperca, as well as for conducing conservation studies of Sinipercidae and related species.