Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogenetic analysis of four Baikal endemic Batrachocottus species (Scorpaeniformes: Cottoidei).

Baikal sculpins are the most species-rich and ecologically diverse group of fishes in the Lake. We analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from four species of the endemic Baikal genus Batrachocottus ( B. baicalensis , B. multiradiatus , B. talievi , and B. nikolski ). Mitogenome sequences are 16,523-16,535 bp in length with a mitogenomic organization and gene arrangement identical to that of typical teleosts. Phylogenetic analysis using the Bayesian method positioned B. baicalensis outside the monophyletic clades of the genus Batrachocottus . Batrachocottus multiradiatus and B. talievi are sister species.