The harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi was exposed to different nitrogen (N) conditions, in order to study the population growth, temporary cyst production and cellular biochemical compositions in laboratory. The results indicated the population growth of K. mikimotoi was inhibited by different levels of N starvation but showed similar fast recovery after the resupplement of N, and temporary cysts were induced in the period of N starvation. K. mikimotoi grew well in inorganic (NO3-, NO2- and NH4+) and organic (urea) nitrogen sources, but the growth parameters (K, Tp, r) showed differences when simulated by Logistic model regressions. When the cellular organic compounds were measured simultaneously, K. mikimotoi cultured in urea produced more short-chained fatty acids while K. mikimotoi cultured in NH4+ produced more non-fatty acids compounds, indicating the potential change of toxins production cultured by various N sources. We concluded that K. mikimotoi could adapt to fluctuating N environments typical of coastal environments including total N concentration (deficiency or recovery) and relative compositions (different N sources).