Mitochondrial DNA as effective molecular markers for the genetic variation and phylogeny of the family Osteoglossidae

► 42 species-specific nucleotide loci may be a molecular marker for identification. ► A nucleotide variation of green arowana was found compared with Asian arowana. ► Greater sequence variation showed association with geographical location. ► Phylogenetic analysis was in agreement with the morphology-based taxonomy. ► Phylogenetic analysis reflected the geophylogenetic status.