As an emerging vertebrate animal model, zebrafish have been widely used in human disease research. Although simple in form, the larval pronephros is similar to the mammal kidney in terms of histological structure, gene expression, and functional complexity. Furthermore, the response of zebrafish larvae to kidney damage is similar to that of mammals. Because of their unique features and other advantages, zebrafish larvae present a useful model for research into kidney development and disease. This review discusses the applicability of zebrafish larvae in research into acute kidney injury based on the biological characteristics of the pronephros, the pathogenic mechanisms involved, and the advantages for kidney injury research.