Fgf20b is required for the ectomesenchymal fate establishment of cranial neural crest cells in zebrafish

► The establishment of the ectomesenchymal lineage within the cranial neural crest is of great significance. ► Fgf20b knockdown zebrafish embryos showed dysplasticneurocranial and pharyngeal cartilages. ► Fgf20b is required for ectomesenchymal fate establishment via the activation of Fgfr1 in zebrafish.