Complete mitochondrial genome of Mekong fighting fish, Betta smaragdina (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)

Mekong fighting fish (Betta smaragdina) are found in Northeast Thailand. A complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. smaragdina was assembled and annotated. Mitogenome sequences were 16,372 bp in length, with slight AT bias (59.8%), containing 37 genes with identical order to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. smaragdina showed closer relationship with B. splendens and B. mahachaiensis as the bubble-nesting group, compared to the mouthbrooder group (B. apollon, B. simplex, and B. pi). Results will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of betta bioresources to improve conservation programs.