The complete mitochondrial genome of the dotted gizzard shad Konosirus punctatus (Teleostei, Clupeidae) has been determined. The entire sequence is 16,706 bp in length, with a gene content (13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and 1 control region) and organization similar to that observed in most other vertebrates. Overall base composition of the light strand was represented as 25.8% of A, 29.0% of C, 25.1% of T and 20.1% of G. With the exception of ND6 and eight tRNA genes, all other mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand. Tandem repeat sequences were observed in the control region, indicating a useful marker for population genetic studies.