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Steps taken for broodstock development of Neopomacentrus nemurus, Coral demoiselle (Bleeker, 1857) in a hatchery, its spawning and development of egg to the juvenile stage are described. Among the three treatments tried, only the trial using Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii as the first diet helped in the development of larvae.Larval and post-larval growth was studied for a period of 65 days post hatch. The larva measured 2-2.4 mm in total length at the time of hatching. The mouth size of larva at the time of hatching measured 237.92 µm. By the 5th day, the width of the larval body had significantly increased. All the fins were conjoined, except for the caudal fin which had begun its appearance on the 2nd day itself. The digestive system was functional by the 5th day and the copepod remains were seen in the digestive tract. The larva metamorphosed by the 15th day with fully developed fins and fin rays. On the 20th day, the larval body had begun to display signs of fin pigmentation. The larva assumed adult pigmentation by the 35th day. By the 65th day, the larva grew to a total length of about 27 mm and weighed about 0.56 g. K E Y W O R D Sbroodstock development, Damselfish, larval rearing, Neopomacentrus nemurus, Pomacentridae

The present study provides the complete report on the embryonic and larval development of pink ear emperor, Lethrinus lentjan (Lacepede, 1802). Eggs were obtained from captive‐reared broodstock of pink ear emperors from 1‐year of age maintained in a 10‐tonne recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The brood fishes spawned throughout the year without hormonal induction. Fertilized eggs (692.65 ± 6.67 µm) were pelagic, transparent, non‐adhesive and with a single oil globule measuring 146.63 ± 3.51 μm. Description of the different phases of embryogenesis, namely the zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation of the fish is provided. Additionally, the developments during larval development period after hatching, which extends till the completion of yolk‐sac absorption (pre‐larvae) and the end of metamorphosis (post‐larval) are also included in the present study. The embryonic development was completed within 14 h 40 min after fertilization. The newly hatched larvae had an average body length of 1.39 ± 0.08 mm, with a yolk sac measuring 787.67 ± 42.65 µm. The mouth opening was observed at 2 days post‐hatch (dph). The yolk sac was completely absorbed by 2 dph, and the preflexion stage began, and it continued till 14 dph. Notochord flexion began by 15 dph and extended to 20 dph. The appearance of the typical adult colouration and scale formation started by 22 dph and by 35 dph the larvae reached the juvenile stage. The data on the embryonic and larval development will help to standardize the larval rearing techniques for the species.