In this study, we describe the isolation and identification of a novel long-chain n-alkane degrading strain, Gordonia arnica/is LH3. Under aerobic conditions, it utilized approximately 18.0% of paraffin (2% w/v) after 10 day of incubation, and the paraffin compositions of $C_{18}{sim}C_{24}$ alkalines were utilized preferentially. Under anaerobic conditions, paraffin utilization was ap proximately 1/8 that seen under aerobic conditions, and the compositions of $C_{34}$ and $C_{36}$ alkalines were utilized preferentially. The effects of salinity, temperature, and biosurfactants on paraffin degradation were also evaluated. The strain was also demonstrated to grow on oil, and decreased oil viscosity by 44.7% and degraded oil by 10.4% under aerobic conditions. Our results indicated that G. amicalis LH3 has potential applications in paraffin control, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), and the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted environments.