ABSTRACTQuantitative cytological and fatty acid composition was determined for the diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz, Data from four separate experiments were examined to elucidate changes that may occur with respect to daily photoperiod. Overall, fatty acid composition is similar to that reported for other diatoms with the exception that the C16 fatty acids constitute approximately 70% of all fatty acids. The major fatty acids are C14:0, 16:1, 16:0, 18:0, and 20:5. Fatty acids that are present in minor amounts are iso‐14:0, iso‐15:0, 15:0, 17:0, 18:4, 18:2, 18:1, 19:0, 20:0, 22:0, and 23:0.Cytological composition is similar to that previously reported with the chloroplast and vacuole being the largest compartments within the cell. Changes in both cytological and fatty acid composition were studied with respect to the light / dark cycle. Chloroplast and lipid relative volume are greatest during the early part of the dark period. Nuclear relative volume is lowest in the dark and increases throughout the light period.Total unsaturated fatty acids, including the C20:5 fatty acid, are lowest in the early part of the light period and highest in the dark. The sum of the C16 fatty acids remains constant at 70% of total fatty acids in the cells throughout the light/dark cycle, although percent composition of these two fatty acids shifts.The data suggest that cyclical changes occur in both quantitative morphology and fatty acids composition with respect to daily photoperiod. The cells, although not rigidly synchronized, most likely divide in the latter part of the dark period or in the first hours of the light period. Lipids increase dramatically in the dark. The ecological implications of lipid storage are discussed in relation to lipophilic toxic