Combined mitochondrial DNA analysis of the Mesopotamian spiny eel, Mastacembelus mastacembelus (Banks & Solander 1794), and its phylogenetic position

Nucleotide sequences of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, tRNAPhe and tRNAVal genes of mtDNA of Mesopotamian spiny eel, M. mastacembelus, was determined for the first time. The comparison of the three populations of Mesopotamian spiny eel from Turkish part of the Tigris basin based on the combined mitochondrial DNA was performed. Based on the results, no differences were determined and the identity found to be 100% among three populations. Furthermore, the obtained results from molecular methods were compared with morphological findings to validate the position of the studied populations of M. mastacembelus. In addition, the phylogenetic position of the Mesopotamian spiny eel was examined among the Mastacembelidae and Synbranchioformes based on 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA. The constructed phylogenetic relationship between M. mastacembelus and some other members of Synbranchioformes order supported their taxonomic hierarchy.