This study reports the taxonomy and temporal distribution of the Pinnularia genus occurring in the lower course Negro river (03º02'46,5"S e 60º15'13,1"W) along an annual cycle. Samples were collected in the water column monthly, from October 2002 to September 2003. The species were described and commented based on their morphology and morphometry. Eleven species and four varieties are registered, illustrated and incorporated in a taxonomic key. P. sterrenburgii var. sterrenburgii Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot and P. subgibba var. capitata Metzeltin & Krammer are the first references to Negro river. Temporally, the highest species richness occurred from October and December 2002, low water period, when happened more interaction between water and sediment, and the contribution of the benthos individuals. On base in taxa occurrence during this study, only P. confirma was frequently, with occurrence in more than 50% of sample analyzed.
black water; diatoms; plankton; Amazonian region
