Dunaliella is adapted to life in very salty water, such as natural salty lakes or lagoons with strong evaporation. Here, it is sometimes possible to observe brine coloured by the algae. Under these conditions, it can be found all over the world.

The green alga carries out photosynthesis and contains chlorophyll. Only under particularly strong salt concentrations and strong incidence of light does it store the orange-coloured pigment β-carotene in large quantities.

For economic production and subsequent carotenoid extraction, the alga is cultivated in photo-bio-reactors in glass tubes or hoses. Here, too, the medium is extremely salty and requires strong light incidence.