Background: DDX19 is known as for its role in mRNA transport. It is also involved in translation and innate immune responses. However, the function of Ddx19 during body development rarely reported. We know that ddx19 plays an important role in development of organisms, but we don't understand how it affects the process of cell development. Results: Here, we report ddx19-deleted mutation in zebrafish, obtained two types with base deletion of 46 bp and 7 bp using CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout technology, show morphologic defects such as small head, small eyes, pericardial edema and trunk curvature in 24 hours post fertilization (hpf). The maximum survival time of ddx19 -/- was less than 5 day post fertilization (dpf). In comparison to the wildtype, the mutant embryos showed widespread up-regulation of cell apoptosis, and significant decrease in the number of cells. Conclusions: These data indicate loss of ddx19 is lethal, and is associated with cell apoptosis and proliferation abnormalities in the organism. Our results reveal that ddx19 is essential for the development of zebrafish embryos, which deepens the understanding of the developmental function of DEAD-box genes family.