The early life history, from egg to juvenile, of red porgy Pagrus pagrus, in captivity is described. Yolk larvae were hatched 50 hours after fertilization, at 18°C water temperature. The opening of the mouth took place between the third and fourth day after hatching, corresponding to 2.6-2.8 mm notochordal length. The transformation stage began at 9 mm standard length, approximately 40 days after hatching. The appearance of the fins favored the displacement of pelagic larvae towards the bottom, acquiring their demersal habit during the juvenile stage