First record and ecologic aspects of Isthmochloron neustonica Zalocar & Pizzarro (Tribophyceae) in São Paulo State, Brazil

ABSTRACT We present the morphometric characteristics of Isthmochloron neustonica populations as well as their abundance and the relationship with some environmental characteristics in a fishpond. This is the first record of the species in São Paulo State and second citation to Brazil. Isthmochloron neustonica was described in neustonic habit; in this study, with sampling for phytoplankton analysis, it was found in high density and short duration blooming (time interval up to 15 days). It represented 59% of total phytoplankton density on May 26, 2010, forming a delicate and bright film on the water surface, in an environment with high concentration of nutrients and associated with drought and low temperature. The species has a restricted range in South America, probably due to their biological characteristics, such as small cell size and neustonic habit. Few records in literature can also be one of the reasons that hampers the identification of the species in subtropical environments.