A taxonomic survey and distribution pattern analysis of family euphyllidae (bubble corals) in Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas

• Main Authors: Santos, Armando Roman S., Sarion, Leo Carlo H.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Corals > Philippines > Talin Bay; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/4860
• Institution: De La Salle University

In order to suggest a potential marine protected area, it is important to conduct surveys and analyses of distribution patterns to rare species such as bubble corals (Family Euphyllidae). Photographic surveys were employed in seven (7) sites in Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas from April to June, 2007, and the number and the lifeforms of organisms and abiotic forms were recorded and analyzed using 10 fixed-point scoring in order to determine percent coral cover and relative abundance of these corals. A total of 41 coral genera from the Order Scleractina were seen in the seven (7) sites. This gave an average percentage coral cover of 32.6% which categorizes the reef as in fair condition. Using windrose program, SMS 1, 5, 6 and 7 is shown to exhibit coral growth toward the mouth of the bay while those situated outside the bay such as SMS 2 and 3 exhibit growths with the same direction as the north-eastern monsoon. Encrusting and massive corals (Porites and Favia) were seen in sites having strong wave action protecting submassive, foliose and branching (Acropora) corals, which in turn filters sedimentation. Only six (6) species from the family Euphyllidae were found and covered 9.0% of the total hard coral composition surveyed in seven (7) sites in Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas. Euphyllia ancora represent the most abundant bubble coral species, which was predominantly seen in SMS 5 where there is turbid, shallow to mid-deep waters, gentle currents and highly lit areas. E. glabrescens is the second dominant species evenly distributed in SMS 1 and 2, prefers strong currents with shallow, turbid waters and indirect lighting. Plerogyra sinousa is seen abundantly in SMS 5 situated vertically on rocks and in between crevices with indirect lighting. E. divisa is found mainly in SMS 2 and 6 in deeper waters having indirect lighting. Physogyra lichtensteini is found mainly in SMS 3 with strong wave actions and low light. Lastly is P. simplex, found in depths of 9 meters in SMS 2 with indirect lighting and gentle wave currents. SMS 2 f