This dataset includes the number of planktic and benthic foraminifera found at IODP Site 392-U1580 (40°47.15'S, 26°36.41'E, 2560 m deep) during the PETM period (60-64 m CCSF-M). Counts were done on three different size groups (180-212, 212-250, and 250-300 μm) from cleaned sediment samples taken every 2 cm, which gives a time resolution of about 1-2 thousand years. Samples of 7-14 cc were processed and split to obtain ~300 specimens for counting. The data show a significant rise in the heat-loving genera Acarinina and Morozovella during the highest warming of the PETM at about 63.0 m, with their numbers increasing ten times compared to normal levels. Original sediment volumes and split fractions are included to enable foraminiferal accumulation rate calculations. This abundance of data provides evidence for the poleward migration of warm-water taxa during the PETM hyperthermal event.