Although culture techniques for the abalone Haliotis discus hannai are well known, mass culture of the benthic microalgae that are essential live food for the abalone larvae is still not practiced. This study was conducted to identify the microalgal species suitable for the growth of early larvae of H. discus hannai. The growth and attachment rates of 31 microalgal species were examined. Acrylic plates were used as the substrate. Among the 31 microalgal species, nine showing high growth and attachment rates were selected and tested for their dietary values via factors including settlement, metamorphosis, and survival rates of abalone larvae. Tetraselmis hazeni and Rhaphoneis sp. induced the highest settlement rate (65-69%) in abalone larvae. The metamorphosis rate was highest (57%) in larvae fed Rhaphoneis sp. and was also significantly higher in larvae fed Oscillatoria splendida (29%) and T. hazeni (22%) than in those fed other species. The highest survival rate of the larvae during the 15 days after metamorphosis was 67% in those fed Rhaphoneis sp., followed by T. hazeni (42%) and O. splendida (35%). In conclusion, Rhaphoneis sp. is the most suitable diatom for use as a live food for the culture of early larvae of H. discus hannai. In addition, T. hazeni and O. splendida are also potential species to be further developed and utilized in larval culture.