The complete validated mitochondrial genome of the black marlin Istiompax indica (Cuvier, 1832)

Abstract

Two complete mitochondrial genomes of the black marlin Istiompax indica were assembled from approximately 3.5 and 2.5 million reads produced by Ion Torrent next generation sequencing. The complete genomes were 16,531 bp and 16,532 bp in length consisting of 2 rRNA, 13 protein-coding genes, 22tRNA and 2 coding regions. They demonstrated a similar A + T base (52.6%) to other teleosts. Intraspecific sequence variation was 99.5% for three I. indica mitogenomes and 99.7% for X. gladius. A lower value (85%) was found for the I. platypterus mitogenomes from genbank and accredited to inadvertent inclusion of gene regions from a con-familial species in one record, highlighting the need for cautious downstream use of genbank data.

• Billfish
• fisheries management
• mitochondrial DNA
• mitogenome

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Julian Pepperell (Pepperell Research and Consulting Pty) for sample collection. Additional thanks to Mike Bennet, Dean Blower, Carlos Bustamante and James Hereward for their expertise and ongoing support.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article. This research was supported by funding from the Game Fishing Association of Australia Research and Development Foundation as well as the Queensland Game Fishing Association.