In this study, the potential of 10 algae species for biodiesel production were evaluated by determining their fatty acid profiles, biodiesel properties besides growth rate, biomass concentration and lipid productivity. Among seven strains with high growth and lipid accumulation properties, excluding Kirchneriella lunaris and Lyngbya kuetzingii, five species Selenastrum capricornutum, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliqnus, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Isochtysis sphacrica were finally selected for biodiesel production due to their possessing higher lipid productivity and favorable biodiesel properties. The best strain was P. tricornutum, with lipid content of 61.43 +/- 0.95%, lipid productivity of 26.75 mg L-1 d(-1), the favorable fatty acid profiles of C16-C18 (74.50%), C14:0 (11.68%) and C16:1 (22.34%) as well as suitable biodiesel properties of higher cetane number (55.10), lower iodine number (99.2 gI(2)/100 g) and relatively low cloud point (4.47 degrees C). (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.