The toxic heavy metal lead is non-biodegradable and accumulates through the food chain which can cause hazardous effects to livestock and human health. The zebrafish that has recently attained a pre-eminent position in biomedical research is considered an ideal model for assessing the developmental toxicity. Garlic, Allium sativum L. has been used widely for treating various diseases. Hence in this study, the effect of garlic aqueous extract on lead acetate induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos/larvae was assessed. Normally dividing 5 hpf (hours post-fertilization) embryos were allotted into different groups, in six well plates. Two control groups were used one with plain embryo water and the other with garlic aqueous extract. Lead acetate (LA) was exposed at three dose levels 0.1, 0.5 and 1 ppm to the next three groups. The other three groups were exposed to lead acetate at the above mentioned three levels along with 1 µg garlic aqueous extract (GAE). Hatchability and aberration percentage were estimated. Apoptosis and histopathological study were done. Lead induces dose dependent developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos/larvae. GAE has a limited protective effect on lead acetate treated embryos. The protective effect of GAE was better in the 0.1 ppm lead acetate exposed group followed by 0.5 and 1.0 ppm lead acetate treated groups respectively. Lead acetate, zebrafish, Developmental toxicity, Garlic aqueous extract, Apoptosis.