Data from: Lamprey genotypes predispose maturation timing phenotypes in coastal and interior river basins

Previous studies have identified different maturation ecotypes for Pacific
lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus). Identification of these ecotypes was
based on the association of candidate genotypes at marker Etr_464 with
lamprey phenotype (ovary mass). More evidence is needed to validate the
association of the candidate genotypes with the timing of sexual
maturation. Here, we genotyped Etr_464 in adult lamprey from coastal and
interior watersheds and tested whether the genotypes were associated with
maturation phenotypes. Coastal lamprey were predominantly of the
ocean-maturing (ocean) genotype, whereas interior lamprey were primarily
of the stream-maturing (stream) genotype. Radio-tagged coastal lamprey of
the ocean genotype spawned within the collection year, whereas the stream
genotype spawned the following year. Similarly, captive-held interior
lamprey of the ocean genotype matured earlier relative to the stream
genotype. However, the maturation schedule for both genotypes in interior
lamprey was protracted relative to coastal lamprey. These results validate
the association between the candidate genotypes and maturation timing in
lamprey and suggest that ecotype names should be refined to include
geography and maturation timing (i.e., coastal-early, coastal-late,
interior-early, and interior-late). Further research is necessary to
elucidate the role of genetic and environmental interactions (i.e.,
phenotypic plasticity) in influencing maturation timing of Pacific
lamprey.