In flowing water habitats areas of turbulent erosion, oxygenated waters and heterogeneity can be distinguished, which are called riffles. The objective of this study was to determine the composition and structure of the epilithic algal community in riffle habitat of Arroyo Achiras (Córdoba, Argentina). Two sampling sites were selected along the longitudinal gradient, one in mountainous zone (A) and another one in piedmont (B). In 2005 and 2006 epilithic samples were collected during periods of low and high waters and physico-chemical and hydraulic variables were measured. At each site algal abundance and frequency were determined. Similarity index, taxonomic richness, species diversity (Shannon) and evenness were calculated. Differences between both zones were analyzed by two-way ANOVAs. A total of 175 taxa were determined. The greatest similarity (67%) was observed between high and low water hydrological periods at site B. Ochrophyta dominated over the other algal divisions. The highest algal density was recorded at site B during the period of low water. Significant differences between sites and hydrological periods were observed in all biological parameters, except for abundance.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse
