Samples of Echinaster echinophorus (Lamarck 1816) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) were collected in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Animals were induced to spawn in the laboratory. Success in larval growth, development, settlement and metamorphosis were observed after exposing eggs to different salinities ranging from 34psu to 10psu. As salinity decreased the development was retarded, and survival rate was reduced. Full development was possible in salinities as low as 25psu. The longer period spent in the plankton may result in higher chances of suffering predation and less success in recruitment.