AbstractThe mycobiota of the sandy soil of Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was investigated in 144 sand samples collected at four different sites along the sea coast, divided into three subsites. for a period of one year. A total of 4285 yeast colonies and of 6956 of colonies filamentous fungi were isolated using conventional media and techniques. Representatives of the filamentous fungi corresponding to a total of 1334 colonies were identified and assigned to 34 genera and 170 species. The genera of highest incidence and their respective numbers of species were as follows:Aspergillus, 30.4%, 32 spp.;Penicillium, 16.2%, 35 spp.;Fusarium, 12,6%, 33 spp.:Trichoderma, 6.4%, 7 spp.;Paecilomyces, 3.7%, 10 spp.:Cladosporium, 3.1 %, 8 spp. andAcremonium, 1.0%, 8 spp. Several other genera and species were detected at quite low occurrences. Non‐sporulating fungi (18.3%) and Coelomycetes (Sphaeropsidales) (1.9%) were also detected. Most of the genera detected belonged to theDeuteroycotina, with fewer proportions belonging to theAscomycotinaandZygomycotina.Moniliaceaewas represented by the largest number of species andDematiaceaewas represented by the largest number of genera. In terms of seasonal distribution, the largest number of filamentous fungi was isolated during the winter and the smallest number the Summe