A Photo Field Guide to Coral Species Located at Scott’s Head and Champagne Reef By Meagan Meyer June 18, 2002 Study Abroad Dominica 2002 Dr. Lacher Dr. WoolleyAbstract Champagne and Scott’s Head are two coral reefs that are located on the south-west side of Dominica. The purpose of this project was to provide a photo field guide to coral species found at these two reefs. A total of four dives was completed and fifteen species identified. Introduction Dominica is well known for its unscathed landscape, but few are aware of the dramatic scenery that is found below the surface. Dominica is among the top dive sites in the Caribbean. The dive sites are primarily found on the west coast, due to calmer waters, less current, and great visibility. Champagne reef and Scott’s Head are the two sites of focus for the development of a photo field guide to coral species on the west coast of Dominica. Champagne is located south of Roseau and North of Pointe Guignard. It is a hot, sub-aquatic freshwater spring located near the shore and beside a shallow reef. The reef covers an area of appoximately three hundred square feet, with depths between 0-80 feet. There are small vents at the bottom of the ocean floor that release sulphur gas bubbles to the surface. This bubbling of the water is how the reef got its name. There are an estimated twenty species of corals in Champagne reef, as well as an abundance of different fish species. Scott’s Head is located at the southwestern point of Dominica. Along the northern side of Scott’s Head runs a shallow ledge with a dramatic increase in depth. The reef is on average between 30-65 feet. There are several sandy locations throughout the reef.Materials and Methods On four separate occasions coral species were studied and photographed. There were two trips made to each site, Champagne and Scott’s Head. The initial trip to Scotts’ Head was more of an educational trip than a data collecting trip. It was first important to become comfortable with using flippers and a mask with a snorkel. It was also beneficial to swim a majority of the reef to get a feel of what one was looking at. After becoming comfortable in the water, it was easier to focus on different types of coral. A waterproof slate with pictures of coral species was useful in identifying the more common and abundant species. Photographs were not taken on this dive, due to the lack of knowledge of what should be photographed. This first trip to Scott’s Head helped in the realization that the use of wetsuits would be very beneficial, not only to prevent sunburns but to aid in buoyancy. The second trip to study the coral was to Champagne reef. After going over several species in the Reef Coral Identification book, it was then possible to distinguish between species in the open water. Observations were made by snorkeling along the surface to find diverse coral species. The wetsuit proved to be very helpful when photographs were taken because it helped with remaining stationary. The photographs were taken by first locating a distinct representation of a species and then diving down as close as possible to take the picture. For identification purposes, it was easier to take pictures of larger subjects. It was also found to be more beneficial if the coral was illuminated by sunlight, this helped with the clarity of the photograph. Once a species was photographed, the common name was recorded on a waterproof slate. If a species was unidentifiable, then apicture would be taken of it and it would be identified later. This process was repeated at Champagne on one more occasion. The final data collection was at Scott’s Head. After gaining experience at Champagne, the second trip to Scott’s Head was much more successful. The coral was easily identifiable because it was much more familiar. After the photographs were developed, each one was classified as either identifiable or unidentifiable. A photograph was labeled unidentifiable if it was not in focus, if the species was a poor representation or if too many species were present to single out only one. Results There were a total of fifteen coral species photographed and identified for the field guide. Each species was placed in taxonomic order for easy reference. The physical description, distribution, as well as a picture was provided below each coral species.Class Anthozoa Subclass Hexacorallia Order Scleractinia (Stony Corals) Suborder Astrocoeniina Family Acroporidae Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) (Figure 1) Description: A brown to yellow-brown color all over with a white outline on the edges of the branches. Resembles antler-like racks. It is 3-12 feet in size and is found at a depths of 1-55 feet. Distribution: South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean.Family Pocilloporidae Yellow-Pencil Coral (Madracis mirabilis) (Figure 2) Description: Similar to a pencil in shape, with blunt ends. It is a uniform yellow color, typically in small clumps. It ranges in size from 5 inches to 4 feet and is located at depths of 3-190 feet. Distribution: South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean.Suborder Faviida Family Faviidae Symmetrical Brain Coral (Diploria strigosa) (Figure 3A & 3B) Description: Found in the shape of domes, with a smooth texture. It can have irregular knobs with ridges that rise sharply. It resembles the human brain. Distribution: Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean.Boulder Star Coral (Montastraea annularis) (Figure 4) Description: Typically grows in irregular mounds. Appears to have a smooth texture with projecting lumps. It is pale green in color. It ranges from 1-10 feet in size and is found at depths of 6-130 feet. Distribution: South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean. Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) (Figure 5) Description: It is gray in color, with lighter shades throughout the surface. It grows in irregular mounds and encrustations. It has tiny projections of corallites. Distribution: South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean.Great Star Coral (Montastraea cavernosa) (Figure 6) Description: Forms in massive boulders and domes. Surface has distinctive blister-like corallites. It can be different shades of green, brown, yellow-brown, and gray. It is from 2-8 feet in size and found at depths of 6-300 feet. Distribution: South Florida, Bahamas, and Caribbean. Family Meandrinidae Elliptical Star Coral (Dichocoenia stokesii) (Figure 7) Description: Form in