In this paper we present and analyse single-cell oil (SCO) production through the cultivation of the cyanobacterium Aphanothece microscopica Nageli in fish processing wastewater at different temperature levels. The growth data were fitted into four mathematical models (Logistic. Gompertz, modified Gompertz and Baranyi), to define a mathematical expression for describing cell growth. Using statistical criteria, the Logistic model was considered the most adequate one to describe biomass growth. A negative relationship between the percentage of lipid and high growth temperature was evidenced. Mathematical modelling indicates the possibility of obtaining 0.26, 0.36 and 0.44 g(biomass)/L(reactor) clay at temperatures of 10, 20 and 30 degrees C. respectively. This results in lipid productivity of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.03 g(lipid)/L(reactor) day at 10, 20 and 30 degrees C, respectively. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.