Abstract: The morphological characteristics and distribution of chromatophores, as well as body color changes during early life history of Pterapogon kauderni was investigated by microscopic observation and photography.. Results showed that it took 15~22 days for a fertilized egg to be hatched under 27±0.5 ℃. The embryo developed to the organ formation stage on the 4th day post fertilization (dpf).. Melanin appeared in the eye ball at 6 dpf, xanthophore appeared at the somites at 7 dpf, reflecting platelets appeared in the eye at 8 dpf, and leucophores emerged on the second dorsal fin at 19 dpf. The formation of body color pattern of Pterapogon kauderni began with the appearance of melanocytes in the interorbital space at 12 dpf; the first pigment band in the snout became visible at 21 dpf; the yolk sac was completely absorbed and the four lateral pigment bands on the body and the Y-shaped pigment band at the tail were basically formed at 23 dpf. White spots started to appear between the third and fourth pigment bands in the middle of the body at 90 dpf, and the body color was consistent with that of a 2-year-old adult fish at 240 dpf.

Key words: Pterapogon kauderni, Chromatophores, Body color pattern, Early development