Résumé
Generating genomic data for 19 tropical reef fish species of the Western
Indian Ocean, we investigate how species ecology influences genetic diver-
sity patterns from local to regional scales. We distinguish between the α,
β and γ components of genetic diversity, which we subsequently
link to six ecological traits. We find that the α and
γ components of genetic diversity are strongly correlated so that
species with a high total regional genetic diversity display
systematically high local diversity. The α and
γ diversity components are negatively associated with species
abundance recorded using underwater visual surveys and positively with
body size. Pelagic larval duration is found to be negatively related to
genetic β diversity supporting its role as a dispersal
trait in marine fishes. Deviation from the neutral theory of molecular
evolution motivates further effort to understand the processes shaping
genetic diversity and ultimately the diversification of the exceptional
diversity of tropical reef fishes.