Abstract

• The prominent rock unit, the Moulmein Limestone is well exposed in the Pawtaw Taung which is located in the northeastern part of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State. The present study recovered the coral-brachiopod-foraminifer association for the first time from the fossiliferous limestone of the Pawtaw Taung. The Middle Permian coral fauns of solitary rugose coral (Pavastehphyllum sp.) and compound rugose corals (Polythecalis sp. and Waagenophyllum sp.) are dominated. These corals are typically Tethyan. The occurrence of brachiopod fauna (Retimarginifera sp. Stereochia sp. and Spiriferella sp.) and the fusuline fauna ( Parafusulina sp., Eopolydiexodina sp. and Yangchienia sp.) are regarded as an indicative of the transitional biotic province of Shan-Thai Terrane. From the paleobiogeographical point of view, it is assumed that the coral-brachiopod-foraminifer association of the Moulmein Limestone, including the present study area, represents the western part of Sibumasu Block, as a whole, are treated as a mixed transitional fauna (Gondwanan and Cathaysian fauna affinities) which flourished in warm temperate conditions during Middle Permian time.