Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial DNA of Russell＇s snapper （L. russellii）

The entire mitochondrial DNA sequence （mitogenome） of Russell＇s snapper （Lutjanus russellii） was determined using long PCR and primer-walking methodology, representing the first complete mitogenome accessioned for Lutjanid fishes （16,505 bp, GenBank Accession No. EF514208）. The mitogenome was similar in gene composition and order to those of other vertebrates, having 37 structural genes, i.e., two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and 13 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mtDNA sequence of Russell＇s snapper supported a close relationship between Lutjaninae and Caesioninae, consistent with taxonomic hypotheses based on morphology. More studies utilizing mitogenomes are needed to resolve high-level relationships among snappers.