Development and distribution of Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan) larvae were investigated in the northwestern water off Incheon. O. oratoria larvae were monthly collected at 15 stations from early June to early October in 2007. Bongo net with 330 and 505 um mesh was deployed in a double once with an oblique tow way. Larval densities were relatively higher in southerner stations in July and in northerner stations in August and September. No larvae were discovered in June. Zoea I and II were not captured during the entire sampling period. Zoea III occurred in July for the first time and were found until September. Thereafter, the proportion of later stages increased. The number of zoeal stages decreased during the summer months and no larvae were found in October. Of zoeal stages, zoea IV was the most abundant in number. Zoeal densities were highest in July and August, particularly at the stations near the coast. O. oratoria larvae may be retained and grow within our study sites without advection to growing areas. Non-occurrence of zoea I and II indicate that they were retained near spawning grounds or near parental burrows. Pattern of larval occurrence was coincided with previous researches conducted in conspecific distribution ranges.