The global escalation and intensification of cyanobacterial blooms require powerful algaecides. This study investigated the algicidal efficacy and mechanism of EA-1 against Oscillatoria. Bacteria EA-1, identified as Enterobacter, was isolated with high algicidal activity against harmful cyanobacteria. Results showed that a complete removal of Oscillatoria was observed within 3 days with the initial Chl- a concentration of 1.74 mg/L. Physiological responses of Oscillatoria revealed that EA-1 induced severe lipid peroxidation and the ultimate decline of antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, the contents for both intracellular protein and carbohydrate of each algae cell increased first and then decreased. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis clarified that the possible process of Oscillatoria lysis included the breach of cross wall, followed by the disruption of photosynthetic membrane and incipient nucleus, and the ultimate outflow of inclusion. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis illustrated the degradation process of incipient nucleus in O scillatoria. [Display omitted] • Algicidal bacteria EA-1 was isolated and identified as Enterobacter. • Oscillatoria (initial Chl-a = 1.7 mg/L) was completely lysed within 3 days. • EA-1 induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities decline. • Protein and carbohydrate contents of algae increased first and then decreased. • EA-1 damaged cross wall, photosynthetic membrane and incipient nucleus of algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]