It is now widely recognized that the study of ichthyoplankton ecology in the marine ecosystem can provide important data on the life cycle of adult individuals and, consequently, for a rational use of fishing resources. Despite a good knowledge of the adult stages of these fish species, scarce information is available on the ichthyoplankton community and its response to environmental variables. The aim of this study was to define the major composition patterns and the community structure of the ichthyoplankton assemblage in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea and to assess the influence of environmental factors which control these patterns. A multidisciplinary survey was carried out in a wide coastal area of Sicily during early spring (April 16-24, 2007).  At 24 stations, ichthyoplankton was sampled, using a Bongo net (diameter, 60 cm; mesh size, 500 µm). The temperature profiles highlighted relatively higher superficial values to the western area rather than to the eastern one. Highest oxygen values were found at depths between 30 m and 70 m, while the DCM (Deep Chlorophyll Maximum) was found between 60 m and 75 m. Larval fish community consisted of 2073 individuals, further to 2750 fish eggs. Thirty-three species belonging to seventeen families were identified. Myctophum punctatum was the most abundant species (20.9%), followed by Cyclothone braueri (11%), Lampanyctus pusillus (10.2%), Lampanyctus crocodilus (9%), and Hygophum hygomii (4.6%). The family most represented was Myctophidae (61.6%, 13 identified species), followed by Gonostomatidae (12.4%, 2 species). From NMDS analysis it is evident that some species are clearly distributed in some areas that show different environmental characteristics, as showed by comparisons of Arnoglossus laterna, Notoscolepus elongatus, Capro aper which prefer more temperate waters, versus other species (Lobinchia gemellarii, Boops boops, and others) which prefer waters with higher salinity and fluorescence.