Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Chrysochir aureus and phylogenetic studies of Sciaenidae

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chrysochir aureus was sequenced. The full length of the mitochondrial genome was 16,501 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNA genes, a non-coding control region (CR) and one origin of replication on the light-strand (OL). The total nucleotide composition of mitochondrial DNA was 26.95% A, 29.99% C, 26.29% T, and 16.77% G. Twelve PCGs used the canonical ATG as their initiation codon, whereas COI gene started with an alternative start codon GTG. The mitochondrial genome of C. aureus described in this study could be a useful basis for management of this species and laid a foundation for further research involved with phylogenetic relationship within Sciaenidae.