Ocean circulation contributes to genetic connectivity of limpet populations at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in a back-arc basin

For endemic benthos inhabiting hydrothermal vent fields, larval recruitment is critical for population maintenance and colonization via migration among separated sites. The vent-endemic limpet, Lepetodrilus nux, is abundant at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough, a back-arc basin in the northwestern Pacific; nonetheless, it is endangered due to deep-sea mining. This species is associated with many other vent species and is an important successor in these vent ecosystems. However, limpet genetic diversity and connectivity among local populations have not yet been examined. We conducted a population genetics study of L. nux at five hydrothermal vent fields (maximum geographic distance, ~545 km; depths ~700 m to ~1650 m) using 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci previously developed. Genetic diversity has been maintained among these populations. Meanwhile, fine population genetic structure was detected between distant populations, even within this back-ark basin, reflecting ge..., , , # Data from: Ocean circulation contributes to genetic connectivity of limpet populations at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in a back-arc basin

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.f4qrfj736](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.f4qrfj736)

## Description of the data and file structure

### Files and variables

#### File: Microsatellite\_genotypes\_for\_Lepetodrilus\_nux.xlsx

*Lepetodrilus nux* microsatellite genotypic data, 14 loci, 158 individuals from five sites in the Okinawa Trough.