The relationship between Nannochloropsis sp. and bacteria in culture water of phyllosomas has been analysed. The growth and survival rate of phyllosomas of spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii have been associated with the change of the colour in the culture water. The mortality of phyl-losomas increased as the water colour turned from green to white turbid. In contrast, it decreased when the water became transparent. The Vibrio which showed lytic action against Nannochloropsis sp. and Pseudomonas were the predominant genera isolated from transparent and green water, respectively. These bacteria were cultured separately and inoculated in the culture water of phyl-losomas to test the feasibility of using bacteria. The phyllosomas reared for 48 days at 19-21°C, being fed on Mytilus edulis. Relatively stable growth and survival rate were shown without Nan-nochloropsis sp. in the culture water.