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Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound recognized for stimulating the expression of antioxidant genes. This characteristic has been used to promote animal health and production in aquaculture settings. We hypothesized that supplementing embryos of Crassostrea gigas oysters with CUR would improve their antioxidant capacity, development, and resilience to stress. Embryos were exposed to CUR ranging from 0.03 to 30 µM for 24 h. Their development was assessed, along with measurements of glutathione levels, glutathione S-transferase activity, antioxidant capacity, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolic activity, and resistance to organic hydroperoxide and the antifouling compound dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT). Low curcumin concentrations (up to 1 μM) activated the d-larvae antioxidant system, with a significant threefold increase in glutathione levels and a 50 % decrease in ROS production. This enhancement in antioxidant defense improved the ability of larvae to detoxify organic hydroperoxide. It also resulted in larger larval size and increased survival rates, whether under normal conditions or exposure to peroxide or DCOIT. CUR shows great promise in supporting larval development, but high concentrations were toxic (EC 50 = 2.90 μM), probably due to excessive antioxidant activation. Our results indicate that the antioxidant system may play a role in controlling bivalve early development. Understanding how antioxidants influence redox balance and gene expression during early life can enhance our knowledge of stress response mechanisms in marine organisms, offering insights into how they cope with pollutants and environmental challenges. Integrating CUR and antioxidant defense pathway approaches into aquaculture practices could boost productivity and sustainability in oyster aquaculture., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Heloisa Barbara Gabe reports financial support was provided by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. Rafael Trevisan reports financial support was provided by European Institute for Marine Studies. Heloisa Barbara Gabe reports financial support was provided by Coordination of Higher Education Personnel Improvement. Karine Amabile Taruhn reports financial support was provided by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. Rafael Trevisan reports financial support was provided by Horizon Europe. Fernando Ramos Queiroga reports financial support was provided by Horizon Europe. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)