Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Indo-Pacific-wide zoanthid, Zoanthus sansibaricus

Next generation sequencing allows rapid development of genetic markers for investigating the ecology and evolution of non-model organisms. In the present study we employed 454 sequencing and high through-put screening to ultimately generate eight highly polymorphic microsatellites for Zoanthus sansibaricus, a common colonial anemone in the order Zoantharia that is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific. Each locus was screened against cultured Symbiodinium as well as on individuals harboring distantly related symbiont species to discount contamination by DNA from their obligate dinoflagellate symbionts. The range of Z. sansibaricus extends across the tropical and subtropical Indian and Pacific oceans. Therefore, these population genetic markers will allow examination of dispersal and gene flow in this species across large tropical and subtropical oceanic ranges.