The complete mitochondrial genome of Malaysian Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) and its phylogenetic relationship among Palaemonidae.

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is an economically important aquaculture species in Southeast Asia. Despite its significance, complete mitochondrial genome data from Malaysian populations remain scarce, limiting insights into genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to sequence and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of M. rosenbergii from Perak, Malaysia, and to assess its phylogenetic position relative to other regional populations. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced using next-generation sequencing. The mitochondrial genome was assembled, annotated, and its nucleotide composition and gene arrangement were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Maximum Likelihood method based on the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes of representative Palaemonidae species. The circular mitochondrial genome of M. rosenbergii was 15,332 bp in length, comprised by 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Most genes were encoded on the heavy strand, with several located on the light strand, consistent with other crustaceans. The nucleotide composition exhibited an A + T bias. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Perak specimen in a strongly supported M. rosenbergii clade, confirming its identity and monophyly. Minor sequence divergence from previously reported mitogenomes was observed; however, given that this study is based on a single individual, these differences should be interpreted cautiously and do not allow inference of population-level differentiation. This mitogenome represents a valuable genetic resource for M. rosenbergii, supporting applications in aquaculture breeding programs, population genetics, and functional genomics. It also provides a reference for transcriptomic studies, enabling mitochondrial gene expression profiling and functional annotation.