Complete mitochondrial genome of two mouthbrooding fighting fishes, Betta apollon and B. simplex (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)

Mouthbrooding fighting fish Betta apollon and B. simplex are widely distributed in Southeast Asia but urbanization is restricting their biodiversity. Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of B. apollon and B. simplex were determined to support systematic conservation programs. Mitogenome sequences were 16,536 and 16,549 bp in length with slight AT bias (56.68% and 56.60%), respectively, containing 37 genes with the order identical to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. apollon showed a closer relationship with B. simplex, grouped with B. pi as a monophyletic clade of mouthbrooders. Results will facilitate evolutionary studies, species diversity, and conservation management in fighting fishes.