Abstract: Six algae species,Nitzschia palea (Ku is.) W. Smith,Chlamydomonas reinhardii Dang,Chlorella pyrenoidosa Chick,Scenedesmus obliquus (Turp.) Kutz,Selenastrum capricornutum Printz and Microcystis aeruginosa Kuts,were culled on batch in different conditions. The maximum specific growth rate (max) of these algae were determined by calculating the specific growth fate each day with cell counting untill log-phase. the max values were different in each algal species. The effects of nutrient contents,light intensity,temperature and initial inoculurn density on max value of these algae were discussed. The max value of N.palea,S.obliquus and S. capricornutum are 1.33 0.09,2.11 0.04 and 2.270.25 respectively. The max increases gradually with total phorsphorus concentrstion in a certain range. By analysing and comparing the various conbination of conditions for max,it was supposed that the maximum specific growth rate could be used as an index of algal niche,and the likely niche of each algal species in the phytoplankton community was illustrated.