The present research evaluates the effects of three different lighting intensities, 60 (control), 30 and 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 on Messastrum gracile growth. The observations indicated that a light intensity of 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 resulted in higher cell density during experimental period. The light intensity of 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 had a strong negative impact on M. gracile growth. Parameters such as lipid and protein content, cell density, chlorophyll-a and biomass were lower compared to the other light intensities. On the 14th and 21st growth days, the biomass, lipid and protein content were higher at 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 with 800 mg L- 1, 5.7% and 34.4% biomass dry weight, respectively. The study also highlighted the economic aspects of M. gracile cultivation. The light intensities 30 and 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 were found to be more advantageous than 120 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 in terms of biomass, unit cost, lipid and protein content. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the light intensities of 30 and 60 µmol photons m- 2 s- 1 are more viable for M. gracile cultivation in laboratory under conditions used.