First records of Ulvella spongophila (Ulvophyceae: Ulvellaceae) for the Palaearctic region: the discovery of four populations in the SW Iberian Peninsula

During extensive Spanish river macrophyte and invertebrate surveys, the freshwater chlorophyte Ulvella spongophila was detected growing inside sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis attached to stones. This finding is relevant from phy¬cological, biogeographical ecological points of view, second world record species after one single known locality (Lake Manindjau, Sumatra, Malaysia), which collected described around 130 years ago. The under summer base-flow conditions in four Mediterranean temporary/seasonal streams 2018 2019. New information about species’ morphological characteristics preferences Iberian Peninsula presented. A comparative description observed specimens with previously published data, some aspects findings, certain biological facets sponge-algal association, its conservation status, are discussed.