The phylogenetic position of the giant devil ray Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre; 1788) (MyUobatiformes, Myliobatidae) inferred from the mitochondrial genome

摘要

The giant devil ray, Mobula mobular, is a member of one of the most distinct groups of cartilaginous fshes, the Mobulidae (manta and devil rays), and is the only mobulid assessed as Endangered due its restricted distribution, high bycatch mortality andsuspected population decline. The complete mitochondrial genome is 18 913 base pairs in length and comprises 2 rRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 non-coding regions. Comparison with the partial mitogenome of M. japanica suggests a sister-cryptic species complex and two different taxonomic units. However, the limited divergence within the species (>99.9% genetic identity) may be the result of a geographically and numerically restricted population of M. mobular within the Mediterranean Sea.