The growth, lipid content and fatty acid composition of Schizochytrium limacinum OUC88 at different temperatures (16, 23, 30 and 37 degrees C) and salinities (0, 0.9, 1.8, 2.7 and 3.6%, w/v) were analyzed. The strain grew better and lipid contents were higher at 16-30 degrees C and salinity at 0.9-3.6% (w/v), The adaptive responses of this microbe to temperature and salinity were mainly to regulate the degree of fatty acid unstauration to maintain the normal membrane lipid physical state. However, at 37 degrees C and 0 salinity, the growth of the strain was inhibited obviously and the lipid content reduced significantly and, some important changes occurred in fatty acid composition, especially the odd-numbered fatty acids 15:0 and 17:0 which amounts increased greatly. In addition, the ratio of DHA to DPA changed at different temperatures and salinities. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.