The complete mitochondrial genome of the Rhodeus shitaiensis was determined by using a PCR-based method. The total length of mitochondrial DNA of this bitterling is 16,774 bp and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA, 22 transfer RNA genes, 1 replication origin region and 1 control region. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of the R. shitaiensis is also matching the one observed in the most vertebrate creatures. Base composition of the genome is A (28.7%), T (26.5%), C (27.4%) and G (17.4%) with an A + T rich hallmark as that of other vertebrate mitochondrial genomes.
Keywords: Bitterling; Rhodeus shitaiensis; complete mitochondrial genome.