Benthic foraminifera as bio-indicator of Mangrove ecosystem quality: A case study from Abu Ghoson area, Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Abstract

The assemblages of benthic foraminifera were studied in surface sediment samples collected along two transects from the mangrove swamp and the intertidal flat zone in Abu Ghoson area, the Red Sea coast of Egypt, to validate and support their use as bio-indicators of ecosystem quality. Using Q-mode and R-mode cluster analyses, three biotopes following the bathymetric and environmental gradients have been documented. The seaward intertidal flat stations were dominated by larger symbiont-bearing foraminifera (Peneroplis planatus, Peneroplis pertusus, Sorites orbiculus, Coscinospira spp., and Amphisorous spp.). This biotope reflects the oligotrophic environment. Assemblage of smaller miliolids and rotaliids is diversified and characterized the swamp stations and the closest intertidal stations. The assemblage from the most landward semi-closed swamp station was distinguished by stress-tolerant taxa, especially Ammonia tepida, found in high percentages, though relatively low diversity.