There are huge growth differences in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) resulting from different culture environments. In order to study the influence of environmental conditions on growth of larval crab, and to understand the temporal and spatial changes of gene expression and their interaction with environments, the growth and gene expression characteristics were investigated for megalopas and larval crab employing full-sib individuals from one family reared in outdoor ponds and indoor closet. Expression profiles of five molting-related genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology were investigated, including crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH); molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH); ecdysteroid receptor (EcR); retinoid X receptor (RXR) and gonad-inhibiting hormone (GIH). The results indicated that the average weight of larval crabs reared in outdoor pond was significantly higher than that of crab reared in indoor closet (P<0.05) . The environmental conditions had no significant influence on the expression of MIH and RXR genes, but gave rise to significant influence on CHH, EcR and GIH genes (P<0.01) . There was significant expression difference between all the five genes (RXR, CHH, EcR, GIH and RXR) among different stages of larval crab. Meanwhile, significant interaction effects (P<0.01) between rearing environments and development stages were found in the four genes (RXR, CHH, EcR and GIH) with the exception of the MIH gene (P>0.05). Furthermore, the positive co-expression was detected for the MIH, GIH, CHH genes, but negative expression was found between the RXR and GIH genes, which regulate molting and growth in crab.