The eggs of Squalidus argentatus were collected in the lower reaches of the Chishui River from March to July,2007. Ontogenesis of S. argentatus was observed,and starvation tolerance of the larva was studied. The egg of S. argentatus belongs to middle-sized drifting egg,which had two layers of membrane,with the outer layer 3. 35 ± 0. 41 mm in diameter. Embryonic development was subdivided into 32 stages,which lasted for about 40 hours under the water temperature of 24. 6 to 25. 5℃ . The average total length of newly hatched larvae was 3. 8mm,with rudiment of pectoral fin and a macula under its eye. Before developing to a young fish, postembryonic development of the larva lasted for about 85 days. The larva began to feed on the second or the third day after hatching,and then the initial feeding rate reached the highest level of 100% on the 5th day. Effects of starvation on growth,development and survival were observed. The point of no return (PNR) was 11 to 12 days after hatching,and almost all larvae died before the 13th day.