Genotype and genetic diversity data for: Contrasts in riverscape patterns of intraspecific genetic variation in a diverse Neotropical fish community of high conservation value

Spatial patterns in genetic variation compared across species provide information about the predictability of genetic diversity of natural populations and areas requiring conservation measures. Due to their remarkable fish diversity, rivers in Neotropical regions are ideal systems to confront theory with observations and would benefit greatly from such approaches given their increasing vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures. We used SNP data from 18 fish species with contrasting life-history traits, co-sampled across 12 sites in the Maroni – a major river system from the Guiana Shield – to compare patterns of intraspecific genetic variation and identify their underlying drivers. Analyses of covariance revealed a decrease in genetic diversity as distance from the river outlet increased for 5 of the 18 species, illustrating a pattern commonly observed in riverscapes for species with low-to-medium dispersal abilities. However, mean within-site genetic diversity was lowest in the two east..., ,