Complete mitochondrial genome and assembled DNA barcoding analysis of (Valenciennes, 1830) and its comparison with other species.

(Valenciennes, 1830) is a teleost species classified under the family Lutjanidae which is a native of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Though highly commercialized due to its abundance and good taste, the production output has declined in recent years. This is an indication of the need for effective management and conservation measures. However, accurate species identification will ensure strategic management and conservation measure. DNA-based species identification has proven its reliability in this regard via precise species identification. Several researchers have confirmed the accuracy of DNAbarcode as a species identification tool as well as species phylogeny analysis based on both the complete mitogenome and gene. Currently, nine specimens of were sampled from Ghana and subjected to DNA-based analysis, namely, complete mitochondrial DNAand gene (DNA barcoding) analyses. The mitogenomic result revealed that is made up of a 16,500 base pairs (bp) mtDNA which consists of 22 transfer RNAs, 13 protein-coding genes, and two ribosomal RNAs (GenBank Accession Number: MN398650). Furthermore, a sequence polymorphism analysis of the gene (MN986442-MN986450) detected two haplotypes. These haplotypes were both collected from the same fish landing site which suggests a possible cryptic linage diversity in the population at Vodza. According to the phylogeny examination, a close taxonomic relationship exists between and caused by a recent evolution termed as sympatric speciation. This study serves as a novel study for this species, building the foundation for future molecular-based study for this species and as a DNA barcode reference data.