Abstract: Many aspects of algae development are controlled by light,and a wide range of different photoreceptors appear to be involved. This review summarizes recent advances in photocontrol of development in algae. We focus mainly on photomorphogenesis in marine algae,including photoperiodic responses and nonperiodic responses, and photoreceptors (phytochromes in particular) in algae. We also compare algae with higher plants in some aspects of photomorphogenesis when necessary.