Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of starvation on the early growth and development of Betta splendens larvae, a starvation stress experiment was conducted to analyze yolk sac absorption, growth, development, and initial feeding rate. The results showed that newly hatched larvae were in the endotrophic stage from 0 to 2 days post-hatch (dph), the mixed feeding stage from 2 to 4 dph, and the exogenous feeding stage from 4 dph onwards. The growth rate of larvae was higher from 0 to 2 dph, with no significant difference between the fed and starved groups at 3 dph. However, significant differences appeared after 4 dph. Growth inhibition was observed in the starved group from 5 dph, with evident growth stagnation at 8 dph, whereas the fed group continued to grow well. The initial feeding rate of larvae was (23.33±5.77)% at 2 dph, reached 100% at 3–5 dph, and declined after 6 dph. The Point of No Return (PNR) occurred between 7 and 8 dph. The optimal initial feeding time for larvae is 3 dph, and feeding should commence no later than 7 dph.