Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Taiwanese Wedgefish ( Rhynchobatus immaculatus )

Abstract

Taiwanese Wedgefish is widely distributed in the western North Pacific. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. However, genetic information on this species remains very limited. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Taiwanese Wedgefish was sequence. The full length of its mitochondrial genome is 16,804 base pairs, encompassing 37 genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the Taiwanese Wedgefish and the Bottlenose wedgefish are grouped together in one branch, clarifying the evolutionary relationship of this species and laying an important genetic foundation for subsequent research on Rhinidae.