Complete mitochondrial genome of the Yellownose skate: Zearaja chilensis (Rajiformes, Rajidae)

Abstract

The complete sequence of mitochondrial DNA of a Yellownose skate, Zearaja chilensis was determined for the first time. It is 16,909 bp in length covering 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA and 13 protein coding genes with the identical gene order and structure as those of other Rajidae species. The nucleotide of L-strand is composed of low G (14.3%), and slightly high A + T (58.9%) nucleotides. The strong codon usage bias against the use of G (6.0%) is found at the third codon positions. Twelve of the 13 protein coding genes use ATG as the start codon while COX1 starts with GTG. As for the stop codon, only ND4 shows an incomplete stop codon TA. This is the first report of the mitogenome for a species in the genus Zearaja, providing a valuable source of genetic information on the evolution of the family Rajidae and the genus Zearaja as well as for establishment of a sustainble fishery management plan of the species.

• Mitochondrial genome
• Rajidae
• Yellownose skate
• Zearaja chilensis

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the grant of Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (PE99211 and PO01110). The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.