In order to identify some suitable diatoms as a live food source, effects of seven diatom species (Chaetoceros simplex, Navicula incerta, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nitzschia closterium, Skeletonema costatum, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Thalassiosira weissflogii) were examined on specific growth rate, mean celt volume, chemical composition and general fatty acid composition. In cell volume. T. pseudonana was the smallest $(125{mu}m^3)$ and T. weissflogii the largest $(824{mu}m^3)$. However the specific growth rate of the largest diatom was the lowest (0.5016/day), and that of S. costatum was the highest (0.9928/day). The crude protein content of seven diatom species varied from $18.96\%$ (T. pseudonana) to $24,4\%$ (T, weissflogii). The crude lipid content of C. simplex was the highest $(8.43\%)$, and that of T. pseudonana was the lowest $(3.13\%)$. The total content of polyunsaturate fatty acids which are important for bivalve larvae was higher in C. simplex than those in other species. The total percent of polyunsaturate fatty acids from N. incerta and T. weissflogii was relatively lower than that from other species. Dietary value of seven diatom species were finally examined with Pacific oyster larvae Crassostrea gigas. In this experiment, C. simplex showed the highest survival rate and growth, and the larvae feed on S. costatum and T. weissflogii showed the poorest results. This results C. simplex could be more useful live food for bivalve larvae than other diatom species tested.