Abstract: The spatial-temporal distribution of specific growth rate of P.donghaiense was simulated based on the relationship between temperature and growth rate, using the monthly average sea surface temperature (SST) from 2005 to 2016 in the coastal waters of the East China Sea.Monthly and inter-annual variation of the specific growth rate were analyzed and compared with red tides in frequency.The results showed that the average specific growth rate was higher from April to June every year, which was consistent with the times of red tides in the coastal waters of the East China Sea.On average, the frequency of red tides in May accounted for about 69 % of the year, while was consistent with the monthly specific growth rate.Red tide caused by P.donghaiense usually occurs in warming months and the frequency of it is positively correlated with temperature increase.The times of red tides were consistent with the inter-annual variation of the specific growth rate of P.donghaiense except for individual years in the coastal waters of the East China.The result can provide a reference for further quantitative analysis of marine ecosystem and its response to climate change.