This paper presents the first record of the freshwater dinoflagellate Parvodinium umbonatum (Stein) Carty (Peridiniaceae, Dinophyta) for northeast Brazil, based on samples collected in 2015 from a tank bromeliads at Serra da Jiboia, Bahia. This species was an important component in the local phytotelm community and categorized as frequent in the bromeliads of the area. A description based on morphometrical features, illustrations (LM and SEM), abiotic conditions of the stored water, and geographic distribution of P. umbonatum in Brazil are provided.