This study aimed to investigate taxonomic differences in the early life history characteristics of Rhodeus ocellatus and Rhodeus notatus through an interspecific hybridization experiment. The hatching rates of the cross-bred eggs were 50% for the ON cross (R. ocellatus ♀×R. notatus♂) and 67% for the NO cross (R. notatus♀×R. ocellatus♂). Interestingly, the hatching time of the hybrids was longer than that of their parents. The newly hatched larvae exhibited distinct differences in their physical characteristics. The head of the adult fish protruded forward more than that of the ON cross. The pterygoid process was 45° for the ON cross and 90° for the NO cross. Furthermore, the tail shape of the ON and NO crosses closely resembled that of R. notatus.