This study was conducted to observe the early life history of sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus. The fertilized eggs were spherical in shape and turned out to be separative and floated. Their membrane and yolk having 1~5 oil globule were transparent. Fertilized eggs were measured to be 1.33~1.46 mm in diameter. Hatching of eggs were started at 74 hrs 15 mins, 54 hrs 55 mins, 50 hrs 45 mins, after fertilization in water temperature $16.0^{circ}C$, $18.0^{circ}C$, $20.0^{circ}C$ respectively. The newly hatching larvae were 3.79~3.97 mm in total length with 35~37 myomeres, and mouth and anus were closed. Melanophores were distributed on the up side of head, upper jaw and margins of the body. The 5 days after hatching larvae measured 4.78~5.24 mm in total length, yolk were completely absorbed, and transformed to postlarval stage. In this time, mouth of larvae was opened, and also melanophores were presented on the lower jaw. Head of larvae grew remarkably. The 21~22 days after hatching, total length of the larvae was 7.15~8.12 mm, the caudal fin rays began to differentiation. In 31 days after hatching, the larva were 8.46~9.16 mm in total length, and tip of the caudal notochord flexed $45^{circ}$. The larvae reached to the juvenile stage with all the fins were developed at 61 days after hatching and attained 16.28~17.31 mm in total length.