Four larval stages of the poorly known centrolophid genus Schedophilus are described based on 18 specimens caught off northern Namibia. The largest larvae were definitely identified as S. maculatus Günther, 1860 and the smallest larvae were consistent in pigment pattern and morphology with this species. Its morphology and development were described from yolk-sac larvae to flexion. Larvae, which were collected only in the upper 50 m of the water column, were geographically confined to the Walvis Ridge, and the area south of it.