Background Tbxl is the major candidate gene for DiGeorge syndrome (DGS). Similar to defects observed in DGS patients, the structures disrupted in Tbxl-/- animal models are derived from the neural crest cells during development. Although the morphological phenotypes of some Tbxl knock-down animal models have been well described, analysis of the cardiac performance is limited. Therefore, myocardial performance was explored in Tbxl morpholino injected zebrafish embryos. Methods To elucidate these issues, Tbxl specific morpholino was used to reduce the function of Tbxl in zebrafish. The differentiation of the myocardial cells was observed using whole mount in situ hybridization. Heart rates were observed and recorded under the microscope from 24 to 72 hours post fertilization (hpf). The cardiac performance was analyzed by measuring ventricular shortening fraction and atrial shortening fraction.Results Tbxl morpholino injected embryos were characterized by defects in the pharyngeal arches, otic vesicle, aortic arches and thymus. In addition, Tbxl knock down reduced the amount of pharyngeal neural crest cells in zebrafish. Abnormal cardiac morphology was visible in nearly 20% of the Tbxl morpholino injected embryos. The hearts in these embryos did not loop or loop incompletely. Importantly, cardiac performance and heart rate were reduced in Tbxl morpholino injected embryos.Conclusions Tbxl might play an essential role in the development of pharyngeal neural crest cells in zebrafish. Cardiac performance is impaired by Tbxl knock down in zebrafish.