Habitat variables determining the occurrence of large benthic foraminifera in the Berau area (East Kalimantan, Indonesia)

Knowledge of the assemblage composition of large benthic foraminifera (LBF) in relation to environmental conditions is needed to interpret fossil records. In this study the assemblage composition of LBF is described for a carbonate shelf with a barrier reef system and some reefs outside the barrier. In a total of 140 samples, 34–35 species of LBF were found. Four clusters, roughly corresponding to substrate type were identified. Several small groups of samples were recognized that were collected locally inside, on, or outside the barrier. Microscale environmental gradients within the substrate or in the benthic boundary layer resulted in spatial differentiation of the microhabitat of each species.