Genetic divergence and historical demography in the endangered large yellow croaker revealed by mtDNA

► We collected wild populations of the large yellow croaker during fisheries survey. ► COI and Cytb were used to analysis the genetic divergence and demographic history. ► Two genetic lineages were identified in the large yellow croaker. ► The populations of this croaker experienced postglacial expansion. ► Bayesian methods revealed recently sharp decline in effective population size.