Foraminiferal Assemblage structure of Hormoz Island, Persian Gulf

The present study was conducted to identify the foraminiferan species and the assemblage structure of these benthic meiofauna in coastal waters of Hormoz Island (Persian Gulf). The species were sampled seasonally during one year (March 2014-November 2015) at six subtidal stations around Hormoz Island. Sediment samples were collected by a Van-Veen grab at depth of one meter after low tide occurrence, fixed with 4% formalin and transferred to the laboratory for isolation and identification. Of 27 foraminiferan species collected in this study, 12 species were distinguished belonging to 17 genera from 14 families and 6 orders. Ammonia beccarii was clearly observed at all stations. Also, genus Quinqueloculina displayed the highest species diversity. It was further found that the genera Ammonia, Elphidium, Bolivina, Quinqueloculina, and Triloculina were responsible for the similarity of foraminiferan fauna at other northern and southern coasts of Persian Gulf. The results showed lower diversity of foraminiferan species and families than those at other areas studied in the Persian Gulf. Moreover, the presence of indicator species for stressed ecosystems belonging to two suborders of Rotalina and Miliolina in the studied area could suggest possible stressful conditions in the ecosystem, which requires monitoring the stressor factors.