Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Araucanian Herring, <scp> <i>Strangomera bentincki</i> </scp> , Norman, 1936 (Teleostei: Clupeiformes: Clupeidae): Phylogenetic Analysis and Implications in Fishmeal Traceability

Araucanian herring or common sardine, <i>S. bentincki</i> (Norman 1936), is a pelagic fish whose main processed products are fishmeal and oil. The complete mitogenome was obtained from one specimen collected at Isla Mocha, Chile (-38.497, -73.619). The size of the mitochondrial genome is 16,758 bp and consists of 37 genes typical in fish: 13 coding sequences (CDS), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region. The gene organization and arrangement are similar to those of other fish species in the Clupeidae and other Teleostei families. Phylogenetic analysis inferred by the maximum likelihood method using the complete mitochondrial genome of 26 species related to <i>Strangomera bentincki</i> generated a strongly supported clade with <i>Sprattus muelleri</i> and <i>Sprattus antipodum</i>. Comparative analysis of the mitogenome reveals genetic divergences of 7.8% with <i>S. muelleri</i> and 7.7% with <i>S. antipodum</i>, which are the closest taxa, indicating that they are likely sister species. Our results provide a mitochondrial genome sequence to support the development of DNA-based traceability tools for processed foods containing Araucanian herring. This mitogenome is a valuable genetic resource for future phylogenetic studies involving Clupeoid species.