Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Aquatic Plants in Florida Lakes

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Bacteria

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Common Aquatic Birds Using Florida Lakes

Mark V. Hoyer

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Fish Communities and Trophic State in Florida Lakes

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Lake Morphometry

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Muck: Causes and Corrective Actions

Mark V. Hoyer, Daniel E. Canfield Jr., and Mark Brenner

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Nutrients

Florida LAKEWATCH

Nutrients are substances required by all organisms for growth, and they are found in every aquatic system. Nutrients are also the object of much discussion by lake management professionals and the general public who are concerned about the influence nutrients sometimes have on the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants in lakes. Written for the lay public, this information circular is an ideal reference booklet for students and/or professionals interested in water management. First published Aug. 2000.

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Oxygen and Temperature

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—The ABCs

Florida LAKEWATCH

This document is the first in a series of Information Circulars developed by the LAKEWATCH Program. It is an introduction to the basic terminology and concepts used in the water management arena. First published Aug. 2000

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Water Clarity

Florida LAKEWATCH

Water clarity is one of the most noticeable attributes of a waterbody. It's also of great importance to many people. However, crystal clear water is not the ruler by which all lakes should be measured. As you'll learn in this circular, lakes with a wide range of water clarity occur naturally in Florida. Anyone interested in the subject can benefit from reading this basic introduction. Topics range from how we measure water clarity, what affects it, the relationship between water clarity and biological productivity, and techniques used for managing water clarity in lakes. Mathematical models are introduced as a way of predicting water clarity in lakes. This reader-friendly booklet is 33 pages in length and includes numerous photographs and figures. First published Sept. 2001. 

A Beginners Guide to Water Management—Color

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginners Guide to Water Management—Fish Kills

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Beginners Guide to Water Management—Symbols, Abbreviations, and Conversion Factors

Florida LAKEWATCH

A Brief Summary of the Water Bill, SB 552

Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, Charles Barrett, James Fletcher, and Mary Lusk

A Guide to Common Stony Corals of Florida

Joseph A. Henry, Roy P. E. Yanong, Maia P. McGuire, and Joshua T. Patterson

A Guide to Nesting Sea Turtles in Florida

Analisa Duran, Ruth Frances-Floyd, Maia Patterson Mcguire, and Iskande Larkin

Florida’s coastline provides critical habitat for sea turtle nesting, as it has for millions of years. Throughout the state, three of the seven species of sea turtles in the world have significant nesting populations. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles use Florida’s beaches to lay nests each year. This publication provides information on the identification, nesting characteristics, and abundance of each of the common sea turtle species who nest in Florida.

A Semen Extender for the Short-Term Storage of Fish Sperm

Frank A. Chapman

Ammonia in Aquatic Systems

Ruth Francis-Floyd, Craig Watson, Denise Petty, and Deborah B. Pouder

Management of ammonia, the primary waste product of fish, is critical to fish health, especially in intensive systems. At low concentrations, ammonia causes stress and damages gills and other tissues. Fish exposed to low levels of ammonia over time are more susceptible to bacterial infections, have poor growth, and do not tolerate routine handling well. At higher concentrations, it will kill fish. Many unexplained production losses have likely been caused by ammonia.

An Introduction to Harvest Tags for Marine Recreational Fisheries

Edward Camp, Zachary Siders, Andrew Ropicki, and Frank Asche

Managing recreational fisheries requires balancing sustainability against allowing as much access and harvest as possible. Maintaining sustainability is made harder by discard mortality where any fishing activity, even catch and release, risks fish dying from injuries, predation, or other causes. This is especially a problem for Florida reef fish species that live at depths and habitats where barotrauma increases mortality and depredation by larger fish, sharks, or marine mammals increases it further. Harvest (or trip) tags could reduce overharvest, lower discard mortality, and allow anglers more freedom to choose when to fish. Harvest tags would limit the total fish harvested, but could eliminate one of the least popular current management restrictions, harvest seasons. This publication describes harvest tag approaches, discussing how they are already used in fishing and hunting and describing some of the potential benefits and costs if they were applied in Florida.

An update on Florida’s Artificial Reefs: recent deployments and trends

Edward V. Camp, Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Keith Mille, Michael Sipos, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Scott Jackson, Shelly Krueger, and Victor Blanco

Popular marine habitat enhancements, artificial reefs can benefit sea life and humans. Floridians visit them every year to fish, dive, snorkel, or boat around. The number of artificial reefs is growing around Florida, but their function and impact are difficult to describe because artificial reefs change over time as they become encrusted with fouling organisms or altered by storms and shifting sands. As reefs change, expectations shift, and advances in research and monitoring allow us to learn more about them. This publication provides an update of Florida’s recent artificial reef activities. It focuses on new deployments, designs, and monitoring objectives from 2015 to 2021. It should help management agencies and outreach and education professionals understand recent trends in priorities. Fishing and diving clubs, monitoring programs, local artificial reef planners and coordinators, and other stakeholders can discover and share information learned across counties.

An Update on Florida’s Artificial Reefs: Recent Research and What It Means for Florida

Edward V. Camp, Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Keith Mille, Michael Sipos, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Ana Zangroniz, Scott Jackson, Shelly Krueger, and Victor Blanco

As coastal managers and practitioners continue placing artificial reefs in marine waters, the scientific understanding of the effects and implications of artificial reefs is changing. It is especially important for resource managers and Extension and outreach personnel, as well as the interested public, to keep aware of these changes as they occur, but usually scientific studies are first published in peer-reviewed journals that may be inaccessible. This publication describes some of the most recent artificial reef studies that are likely to be especially relevant to Florida. Each is summarized and its potential relevance to Florida described. This is not a complete record of recent research, but it should help the interested public, managers, educators, and outreach personnel stay informed of recent developments in artificial reef science that should be considered when making decisions about artificial reefs.

Aquaculture Applications of the Family Blenniidae

Jesse Von Linden, Joshua T. Patterson, Cortney L. Ohs, and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Aquaculture Applications of the Family Gobiidae

Jesse Von Linden, Joshua T. Patterson, Cortney L. Ohs, and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Argulus (Fish Louse) Infections in Fish

Natalie Steckler and Roy P. E. Yanong

Artificial Reefs and People: How We Create Them and How They Affect Us

Lisa Chong, Keith Mille, Holly Abeels, Victor Blanco, and Edward V. Camp

Artificial reefs are constructed to provide several important ecosystem services to coastal communities and fisheries around the world, and their deployment results in significant socio-ecological and economic effects.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – effects on fish: Part 2 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Ana Zangroniz, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 2 of the Artificial Reefs series, explains how artificial reefs affect fish populations. It will help the interested public understand more about the ecological effects of artificial reefs and provide detailed information to stakeholders including management agencies, local governments, artificial reef manufacturers, and Extension agents, to allow for better-informed decisions about building and managing artificial reefs.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – effects on fisheries: Part 4 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Andrew Ropicki, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 4 of the Artificial Reefs series, explores a complicated but fascinating aspect of artificial reefs—should we expect them to lead to better fishing in the long run? Many people think artificial reefs should be a “win-win” since both fish and fishers seem to like them. But it is increasingly apparent that they are likely to increase fishing mortality more than they increase fish populations. So they could lead to more restrictive regulations.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – why are they built? Part 1 of an Artificial Reef series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, Part 1 of the Artificial Reefs 101 series, explains why artificial reefs are built. It defines what artificial reefs are and explains why people build and deploy artificial reefs. It should help the interested public understand how artificial reefs affect marine resources, and provide a background and baseline of information for decision-makers such as local officials, management agency personnel, and Extension agents.

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101: Effects on Fishers (and Divers)—Part 3 of an Artificial Reef Series

Lisa Chong, Angela B. Collins, Holly Abeels, Anna Braswell, Ana Zangroniz, Andrew Ropicki, Scott Jackson, and Edward V. Camp

Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 3 of the Artificial Reefs series, explains how artificial reefs affect fishers and divers. It will help the interested public understand more about the ecological effects of artificial reefs and provide detailed information to stakeholders including management agencies, local governments, artificial reef manufacturers, and Extension agents, to allow for better-informed decisions about building and managing artificial reefs.

Bed Fishing for Florida Bass

John S. Hargrove and James D. Austin

Its rapid growth, large maximum size, and acrobatic fighting displays have made Florida bass the most popular freshwater sport fish in the state of Florida

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Almaco Jack, Seriola rivoliana

Victor Blanco, Cortney Ohs, Nicole Rhody, and Ronald Hans

Almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana, is a perciform within the order Perciformes, family Carangidae; which includes jacks and pompanos. They are members of the genus Seriola, a species of interest for aquaculture diversification worldwide. Like other commercially farmed Seriola species, almaco jack (also known as longfin yellowtail and kampachi) are fast growers, have a high market value, and are increasingly well-regarded among chefs for their versatility in both cooked and raw preparations. These characteristics, among others, have made them favorable candidates for both land-based and offshore aquaculture.

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: American Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus

Lena Donnarumma, Brittany J. Scharf, Jeffrey E. Hill, and Cortney L. Ohs

The American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is a member of the phylum Arthropoda, subphylum Chelicerata, and class Merostomata. Although there are four horseshoe crab species worldwide, the American horseshoe crab is primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast of North America. The species ranges from Maine to Mexico, but is absent between Texas in the United States and Tabasco in Mexico. They mainly inhabit estuarine areas; however, juveniles and adults can venture into the shallow oceanic environments. Embryo development occurs in the intertidal zone of sandy beaches. Sandy or muddy bottom habitats are necessary for burrowing and benthic feeding. This publication will cover their natural history, aquaculture techniques, common diseases, and their uses and markets.  

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Arapaima Arapaima gigas

Cortney L. Ohs, Jeffrey E. Hill, Sarah E. Wright, H. Mae Giddings, and Allison L. Durland Donahou

Arapaima Arapaima gigas, also known as paiche and pirarucu, is a large South American freshwater fish with unique biology, favorable aquaculture characteristics, and potential for production in south Florida. This publication provides Arapaima gigas biology, specific culture methods known for each stage of development, and information about diseases and parasites, markets, and the laws associated with this species to potential Florida producers.

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Atlantic Croaker, Micropogonias undulatus

R. LeRoy Creswell, Cortney L. Ohs, and Christian L. Miller

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Caribbean Spiny Lobster, Panulirus argus

Christian L. Miller, Cortney L. Ohs, and R. LeRoy Creswell

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Discus Symphysodon spp., a Profitable but Challenging Species for Florida Aquaculture

E. J. Livengood, C. L. Ohs, and F. A. Chapman

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Evaluating an Aquatic Organism's Aquaculture Potential

Cortney L. Ohs and R. LeRoy Creswell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Aquaculture

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Gulf Killifish, Fundulus grandis

Shane W. Ramee, Joshua T. Patterson, Cortney L. Ohs, and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Hybrid Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops

Cortney L. Ohs, Christian L. Miller, and R. LeRoy Creswell

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Pigfish, Orthropristis chrysoptera

Eric J. Cassiano, Cortney L. Ohs, and Jeff E. Hill

Candidate Species for Florida Aquaculture: Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides

Cortney L. Ohs, Scott W. Grabe, and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Candidate Species for Marine Ornamental Aquaculture: French Grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum

Kevin P. Barden, Matthew L. Wittenrich, and Eric J. Cassiano

Candidate Species for Marine Ornamental Aquaculture: Porkfish, Anisotremis virginicus

Eric Cassiano and Kevin Barden

Carp Edema Virus Disease (CEVD) / Koi Sleepy Disease (KSD)

Shohreh Hesami, Pedro Viadanna, Natalie Steckler, Staci Spears, Patrick Thompson, Karen Kelley, Roy Yanong, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Johnny Shelley, Joseph Groff, Andy Goodwin, Olga Haenen, and Thomas Waltzek

Choosing an Appropriate Live Feed for Larviculture of Marine Fish

Cortney L. Ohs, Eric J. Cassiano, and Adelaide Rhodes

Coastal Armoring Impacts on Beaches and Sea Turtles

Melissa Hill, Ray Carthy, and Martha Monroe

Close to 19.6 million people live in Florida, and 76.5% of them, or approximately 15 million, live on the coast. Florida’s coasts are attractive despite the increasing risks from sea-level rise and more frequent climatic events such as hurricanes and coastal flooding. At particular risk from these erosive events are Florida’s 825 miles of sandy beaches. Coastal armoring is a physical barrier placed with the intent of protecting structures from storm, surf, and erosion damage. This publication explains how coastal armoring works and the impacts it has on nearby beaches and sea turtle habitat.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Acanthocephalans, Cestodes, Leeches, & Pentastomes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Crustaceans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Digenean Trematodes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Dinoflagellates, Coccidia, Microsporidians, & Myxozoans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Flagellates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Monogeneans

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Motile Ciliates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections. 

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Nematodes

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P.E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Common Freshwater Fish Parasites Pictorial Guide: Sessile Ciliates

Deborah B. Pouder, Eric W. Curtis, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This publication is one in a series of pictorial guides that is designed to assist in the identification of common freshwater fish parasites. The information provided in this guide is not intended to be a complete, detailed description of each parasite or parasite group and its characteristics but rather is intended to assist in the visual identification of some of the most common species or groups of parasites seen in freshwater fish. For further information on each parasite, refer to publications in the “Recommended Reading” and “Reference” sections.

Comparison of Energy Needed to Heat Greenhouses and Insulated Frame Buildings Used in Aquaculture

P. A. Fowler, R. A. Bucklin, C. D. Baird, F. A. Chapman, and C. A. Watson

Concepts, History, Principles, and Application of Germplasm Cryopreservation Technology

Huiping Yang and Terrence R. Tiersch

Coral Reef Conservation Strategies for Everyone

Kathryn E. Lohr and Joshua T. Patterson

Cryptobia iubilans in Cichlids

Ruth Francis Floyd and Roy Yanong

After many years of diagnostics at the University of Florida and at other laboratories around the country, it appears that Cryptobia iubilans is not uncommon among cichlids, and that environmental and other factors determine the extent of disease.

Cryptocaryon irritans Infections (Marine White Spot Disease) in Fish

Roy P. E. Yanong

Culture of Hybrid Tilapia: A Reference Profile

Frank A. Chapman

This document is about Tilapia, which is a generic term used to designate a group of commercially important food fish belonging to the family Cichlidae; the expression is derived from the African native Bechuana word "thiape," meaning fish. Cichlids are classified in the large order Perciformes, and inhabit the fresh and brackish waters of Africa, the Middle East, coastal India, Central and South America. True tilapias, however, are native only to Africa and the Middle East. Although exotic to the United States, populations of tilapia are now established in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, and Texas. First published July, 1992.

Culture Techniques of Moina : The Ideal Daphnia for Feeding Freshwater Fish Fry

R. W. Rottmann, J. Scott Graves, Craig Watson, and Roy P. E. Yanong

This document provides an extensive overview of the biology, culture methods, and practical applications of Daphnia, specifically focusing on the genera Daphnia and Moina. Daphnia, known as "water fleas" due to their size and distinctive movement, play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems and aquaculture. The document discusses their physical and chemical habitat requirements, food sources, and reproductive cycles. It highlights the advantages of Moina in aquaculture due to their high reproductive rates and tolerance to environmental conditions. Detailed procedures for the culture of Moina, including container specifications, water quality management, aeration, feeding, and harvesting techniques, are provided. Additionally, the document addresses nutritional aspects and methods for long-term storage. This comprehensive guide aims to support hobbyists and commercial operators in optimizing Moina production for feeding fish fry. First published May,1992.

Current Aquaculture of the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica and Its Potential for Innovative Technology in Florida

Emily Caffrey, Joshua Patterson, Ruth Francis-Floyd, and Roy P. E. Yanong

<p>This publication provides information on the status of oyster fisheries and aquaculture in Florida as well as general information about how oysters are grown in agricultural and restoration systems. It then introduces a series of technologies that have been developed in other US states and in other countries, strategies that may have utility in Florida. Finally, it covers some specifics of the permitting process as it relates to oyster aquaculture in Florida.</p>

Decapsulating Brine Shrimp Eggs

Craig Watson and Roy P.E. Yanong

Brine shrimp eggs, essential for feeding small fish in hatcheries, require separation from their non-digestible shells and unhatched eggs post-hatching. This document explains the decapsulation process using chlorine removing the outer shell, simplifying separation and sterilizing the eggs. This method improves hatch rates and allows unhatched eggs to be fed directly to fish. The decapsulation procedure involves soaking the eggs in water, treating them with bleach, and rinsing thoroughly. Decapsulated eggs can be stored in brine or hatched immediately in containers with specific conditions. This process adapts to various brine shrimp egg types, ensuring effective hatchery operations. First published June, 1990. 

Design and Operation of Egg Collectors for Pelagic Spawning Marine Fishes

Cortney Ohs, John Marcellus, Eric Cassiano, and Jason Broach

Determination of Microalgal Concentration by Use of Turbidity Measurement

Huiping Yang and Jayme C. Yee

The goal of this study was to develop a rapid assessment of microalgal concentration using a turbidity meter to serve commercial shellfish hatcheries for feeding shellfish larvae and broodstock. We used four commonly used algal species, Tetraselmis suecica, Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros calcitrans, and Chaetoceros gracilis, generating serial dilutions of each and measuring cell concentrations and turbidity of each sample. We identified linear correlations between cell concentration and turbidity and established standard equations between cell concentration and turbidity for each species. We sampled and quantified algae from a shellfish hatchery using these equations and compared hemocytometer counts. No differences were found (P = 0.174), indicating the accuracy of the equations. We expect that this method can provide a quick, accurate, easy method for shellfish hatcheries to quantify algal concentration and avoid either over- or underfeeding larvae and broodstock. 

Dissolved Oxygen for Fish Production

Ruth Francis-Floyd

This document is about dissolved oxygen (DO). DO refers to oxygen gas that is dissolved in water. Fish "breathe" oxygen just as land animals do. However, fish are able to absorb oxygen directly from the water into their bloodstream using gills, whereas land animals use lungs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. First published in 1992.

Eastern Mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, for Control of Mosquito Larvae

Eric Jon Cassiano, Jeffrey Hill, Quenton Tuckett, and Craig Watson

Ecological Influences on Coastal Finfish Recruitment

Gabrielle Love, Anna Braswell, Angela B. Collins, and Edward Camp

Florida is experiencing many human and climate-related changes to the aquatic environment that can affect fish. Lost or altered habitat, for instance, can lead to changes in fish populations that may impact survival, growth, or recruitment of those populations. Recruitment influences how many adult fish are later available for spawning and continuing the population. Understanding recruitment and how it is affected by ecological influences is important for considering the potential effects of ongoing climate change, as well as restoration and management of water quality and habitat. This publication provides background information useful to anyone interested in understanding more about factors affecting fish populations and should be especially useful to Extension agents and management agency personnel who would like an overview of these topics before engaging with stakeholders.

Ecosystem Services Valuation for Estuarine and Coastal Restoration in Florida

Susanna Blair, Carrie Adams, Tom Ankersen, Maia McGuire, and David Kaplan

Energy Efficiency for Florida Aquaculture Facilities: Energy Audits

Jordan Neff, Eric Cassiano, Micah Alo, and Craig Watson

The energy consumption on aquaculture facilities can account for a large portion of on-farm operational costs. Energy associated with keeping aquatic plants and animals alive contributes to the total cost of operation.  Even on a moderately sized farm, excessive energy consumption can be a limiting factor in the success of an aquaculture business. When recirculating aquaculture systems and indoor climate-controlled production methods are used, the cost of energy can be as large as the costs associated with labor and feed. Evaluating energy use on a facility allows for the opportunity to identify areas where energy may be used more efficiently. Increasing energy efficiency can help reduce overall operational costs and increase profitability. This publication is one in a series that details techniques and methods for reducing energy consumption on aquaculture farms.

Evolution, Culture, and Care for Betta splendens

Craig Watson, Matthew DiMaggio, Jeffrey Hill, Quenton Tuckett, and Roy Yanong

Farm-Raised Channel Catfish

Frank A. Chapman

This document is about Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Channel catfish belong to the family Ictaluridae, in the large catfish order Siluriformes. The order includes over two thousand species, and most of them inhabit the fresh waters of the tropics. In the United States, the family Ictaluridae is native to the water drainages east of the Rocky Mountains, and contains about forty-three recognized species. Other important commercial species in the family include the blue catfish (I. furcatus), white catfish I. catus), yellow bullhead (I. natalis), brown bullhead (I. nebulosus), black bullhead (I.melas), and the flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). First published in July, 1992.

Fertilization of Fresh Water Fish Ponds

Craig Watson and Charles E. Cichra

This document outlines the principles and practices of fertilizing freshwater fish ponds to enhance their productivity. Fertilization, akin to its use in land-based agriculture, can significantly boost the production of small natural food-consuming fish species such as bluegill and golden shiner by increasing the availability of algae and zooplankton. This process not only supports small fish but also benefits larger predatory fish, like largemouth bass, by improving their food supply. Phosphorus is identified as the most critical nutrient, often supplemented with nitrogen for better results. The document discusses the forms and application methods of fertilizers, emphasizing liquid fertilizers for their rapid effectiveness. Practical guidelines for determining the timing and frequency of fertilization based on water temperature and clarity are provided, alongside techniques for applying both liquid and granular fertilizers efficiently. The document also addresses common challenges suc

First Report of an Emerging Ulcerative Skin Disease in Invasive Lionfish

Holden E. Harris, Alexander Q. Fogg, Roy P. Yanong, Salvatore Frasca Jr., Theresa Cody, Thomas B. Waltzek, and William F. Patterson III

Fish Fingerlings: Purchasing, Transporting, and Stocking

Michael McGee and Charles Cichra

Finding a source of fish fingerlings (young fish) is the first step towards successful fish production. Following that, transporting the fish, and proper stocking procedures are necessary. Some of the most important considerations relating to fingerling purchasing, transporting, and stocking are reviewed in this document. First published June, 1991

Fish Health Management Considerations in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems—Part 1: Introduction and General Principles

Roy P. E. Yanong

Fish Health Management Considerations in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems—Part 2: Pathogens

Roy P. E. Yanong

Fish Health Management Considerations in Recirculating Aquaculture systems—Part 3: General Recommendations and Problem-Solving Approaches

Roy P. E. Yanong

Fish Nutrition

Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Aquaculture

Fish Population Recruitment 2: Stock Recruit Relationships and Why They Matter for Stock Assessment

Edward V. Camp, Robert N.M. Ahrens, Angela B. Collins, and Kai Lorenzen

A good understanding of stock recruit relationships is essential for accurate stock assessment and good fisheries management. But the concept is complicated and can be difficult to understand. This publication uses a recent Florida spotted seatrout stock assessment as an example to show how the stock-recruit relationship allows managers to determine whether or not a given fish population is overfished.

Fish Population Recruitment: What Recruitment Means and Why It Matters

Edward V. Camp, Robert N. M. Ahrens, Angela B. Collins, and Kai Lorenzen

Florida Marine Baitfish Aquaculture Series – Part 1: Marketing Opportunities and Challenges

Marissa Drake, Andrew Ropicki, Matthew A. DiMaggio, Kelly Grogan, Cortney L. Ohs, Laura Tiu, Edward V. Camp, and Jordan Moor

This publication, Part 1 in the Florida Marine Baitfish Aquaculture series, outlines opportunities and challenges associated with marketing aquacultured live marine baitfish in Florida. It examines why Florida is uniquely suited for the continued development of this industry, reviews the marine recreational angling baitfish market, and describes the opportunities and challenges associated with marine baitfish marketing and selling live baitfish to marine baitfish retailers. This publication is intended to provide information to current and potential farmers, as well as management agency and outreach personnel and the interested public. It should help farmers, potential farmers, and perhaps investors understand the potential scale, opportunities, and challenges of live baitfish aquaculture in Florida. This same information can assist policymakers and outreach personnel in their management decisions and the communications of those decisions.

Freshwater Ornamental Aquatic Plant Production in Florida

Eric J. Cassiano and Lyn A. Gettys

Florida has a unique and diverse aquaculture industry consisting of ornamental fish, food fish, shellfish, alligators, aquatic plants, and more. Although some aquatic plants are produced for food or wetland restoration, most aquatic plant production in Florida is for the water garden and aquarium industries. There are over 1000 different species and varieties of ornamental aquatic plants produced in Florida. Since most ornamental aquatic plants are tropical in origin, Florida’s warm climate makes it ideal for growing them year-round. This publication covers ornamental aquatic plant production in Florida including permitting and licensing, production techniques, farm design, pests and diseases, and marketing. 

Freshwater Ornamental Fish Commonly Cultured in Florida

Jeffrey E. Hill and Roy P.E. Yanong

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems Fish can be grouped in a number of different ways. One major division in the industry which has practical significance is that between egg-laying species and live-bearing species. The culture practices for each division are different, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment to succeed. This publication briefly reviews the more common groups of freshwater tropical ornamental fishes cultured in Florida. For simplicity, fish are grouped according to family or related families. First published March 2002. 

Grading Ornamental Fish

Tina C. Crosby, Jeffrey E. Hill, Carlos V. Martinez, Craig A. Watson, Deborah B. Pouder, and Roy P.E. Yanong

Harvesting Ornamental Fish From Ponds

Tina C. Crosby, Jeffrey E. Hill, Carlos V. Martinez, Craig A. Watson, Deborah B. Pouder, and Roy P.E. Yanong

How Ecosystem Services are Measured and Why it Matters for Florida

Charles Wallace, Anna Braswell, Mysha Clarke, Andrew Ropicki, Tara Wade, Frank Asche, Ashley Smyth, Armando Ubeda, and Ed Camp

Florida has many ecosystems that are thought of as especially important such as springs, coasts, dry prairies, and the Everglades. One of the ways importance is measured is through value. The term ecosystem services describes the benefits ecosystems and their components provide humans. This publication describes some of the ways to measure ecosystem services and explains how the different approaches to assess ecosystems might be selected, depending on what is most important to the user. This publication should help Extension and outreach agents, as well as agency personnel better understand ecosystem services values and explain them to the public. It should also help interested members of the public who wish to learn more about ecosystem services for themselves.

How Ornamental Fishes Get Their Color

F. A. Chapman and R. D. Miles

How Stocking Recreational Fisheries Works (and Sometimes Does not)

Nicholas Fisch, Diana Perry, Chelsey Crandall, Nick Trippel, and Edward V. Camp

Stock enhancement or “stocking” is one of the oldest, most common, and most popular ways of improving recreational fisheries. Stocking is usually supposed to increase the number of fish available for anglers to catch. Unfortunately, stocking doesn’t always do this. The reasons why it may not always work as planned relate to some important concepts of fish ecology. This publication describes those ecological concepts and then also describes the three primary “outcomes” of stocking that anglers might observe. In the end, stocking can be very effective, but only if the stocked fish survive reasonably well and don’t decrease the population of wild fish.

How to Define Successful Stocking of Florida's Freshwater Recreational Fisheries

Edward V. Camp, Rick Stout, Nick Trippel, Jon Fury, Stasey Whichel, and Kai Lorenzen

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (White Spot) Infections in Fish

Ruth Francis-Floyd, Roy Yanong, and Deborah Pouder

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) is a protozoan parasite that can cause severe losses in aquaculture and aquariums. It is introduced via new fish, substrates, plants, or equipment. Preventive measures include quarantining and treating new fish, holding plants without fish, and disinfecting decorations. Ich can cause rapid, high mortality among fish. Immediate treatment is necessary due to its fast reproduction. Since only the infective theront stage is susceptible to treatment, repeated treatments or prolonged salt use are required. Daily tank cleaning helps remove the parasite. Survivors can carry the parasite and reinfect others. This document is about how effective management and biosecurity practices, including quick treatment and multiple treatments during outbreaks, can help to control Ich and minimize economic losses. First published March 1991.

Induction and Establishment of Tetraploid Oyster Breeding Stocks for Triploid Oyster Production

Huiping Yang, Ximing Guo, and John Scarpa

Interpreting a Fish Food Package Label

Frank A. Chapman and Richard Miles

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Introducción al manejo de la salud de los peces

Ruth Francis-Floyd y Juan Manuel Campos Krauer

El manejo de la salud de los peces es un término utilizado en acuicultura para describir las prácticas de manejo que están diseñadas para prevenir las enfermedades de los peces. Una vez que los peces se enferman, puede ser difícil salvarlos. El manejo exitoso de la salud de los peces comienza con la prevención de las enfermedades, en lugar de aplicar un tratamiento. La prevención de las enfermedades de los peces se logra mediante un buen control de la calidad del agua, nutrición y saneamiento. Sin esta base, es imposible prevenir brotes de enfermedades que son oportunistas.

Introduction to Fish Health Management

Ruth Francis-Floyd

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Introduction to Infectious Diseases in Hard Clams

Shirley Baker, Denise Petty, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Roy Yanong, and Leslie Sturmer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD)

Kathleen H. Hartman, Roy P.E. Yanong, Deborah B. Pouder, B. Denise Petty, Ruth Francis-Floyd, Allen C. Riggs, and Thomas B. Waltzek

Lernaea (Anchorworm) Infestations in Fish

Natalie Steckler and Roy P. E. Yanong

Let ‘Em Grow: Scalloping Best Practices

Brittany Hall-Scharf and Victor Blanco

Recreational scalloping is a popular summertime activity that attracts participants from far and wide to Florida's Gulf Coast. Coastal counties that serve as vessel launch points rely on this fishery for economic viability, but the biology of the bay scallop and the environmental stressors this species endures have led to limited populations of bay scallops remaining along Florida's Gulf Coast . Therefore, it is essential to implement best practices for harvesting bay scallops so that future generations can enjoy this marine resource activity. This publication gives recreational scallopers tips on how to sort through scallops in the water so that scallops that are too small are returned immediately to the same spot where they were taken. Improving harvesting techniques can help sustain this valuable fishery.