Unlike other diatoms, P. tricornutum can exist in different morphotypes (fusiform, triradiate, and oval) and changes in cell shape can be stimulated by environmental conditions.

Unlike most diatoms, P. tricornutum can grow in the absence of silicon and can survive without making silicified frustules.

[5] Recordings of the first cultures of P. tricornutum were published by Allen and Nelson in 1910, although it was misidentified as Nitzschia colsterium,W.

It grows rapidly and storage lipids constitute about 20-30% of its dry cell weight under standard culture conditions.

[10][11] Nitrogen limitation can induce neutral lipid accumulation in P. tricornutum, indicating possible strategies for improving microalgal biodiesel production.