Watson, Craig A.

0000-0002-7799-4424

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

Eastern Mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, for Control of Mosquito Larvae

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

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

Evolution, Culture, and Care for Betta splendens

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

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

Grading Ornamental Fish

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

Use of Copper in Freshwater Aquaculture and Farm Ponds

Craig Watson and Roy P.E. Yanong

Copper has been used for many years as a chemical tool in freshwater farm ponds and aquaculture operations. It is both an effective algicide and a parasite treatment. The problem with the use of copper is that there is a thin line that separates effective treatment levels from overdoses, which can kill fish. This fact sheet is designed to explain when copper is used, how it is used, and some precautions to take before using it. First published in 1989. 

Use of Ovaprim in Ornamental Fish Aquaculture

Roy P. E. Yanong, Carlos Martinez, and Craig A. Watson

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. 

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.

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.

Preparation of Ornamental Fish for Shipping

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

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

The Use of Lime in Fish Ponds

Andy M. Lazur, Charles E. Cichra, and Craig Watson

Liming is an effective tool in fish production and pond management. However, lime is casually used to describe two different types of materials, used for very different purposes. Agricultural limestone refers to calcite (calcium carbonate) and dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate). The calcium and magnesium components raise the total hardness of water, essential to the health of many aquatic species. The carbonate component raises the total alkalinity and the pH, buffering daily fluctuations in pH, increasing microbial activity in the pond soil, and increasing the availability of phosphorous to phytoplankton. Pond water with total alkalinity less than 20 ppm can benefit from liming. Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) is an inexpensive and effective pond sterilizer, raising the pH quickly and dramatically above tolerable levels for most aquatic organisms. It should be used carefully, avoiding contact to the applicator, and never used in ponds containing desirable fish. This document w

On-Farm Transport of Ornamental Fish

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

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Energy Efficiency for Florida Aquaculture Facilities: Variable Frequency Drives

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

Energy consumption is often a primary contributor to the cost of operation in aquaculture. Even on a moderately sized farm, excessive energy consumption can be a limiting factor in the success of an aquaculture business. Reducing operational costs can increase total profitability. Identifying inefficient energy use and implementing energy-efficient technologies can help reduce the total cost of operation. This publication is one in a series that details techniques and methods for reducing energy consumption to decrease operational costs on aquaculture facilities. In many aquaculture practices, especially finfish culture, water must be moved from one location to another.  Pumping water often accounts for a significant portion of a facility’s energy use and operational costs.  This publication discusses how variable frequency drives can be used to reduce energy consumption of pumps.

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.

Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV): a Globally Emerging Threat to Tilapia Aquaculture

Lowia Al-Hussinee, Kuttichantran Subramaniam, Win Surachetpong, Vsevolod Popov, Kathleen Hartman, Katharine Starzel, Roy Yanong, Craig Watson, Hugh Ferguson, Salvatore Frasca Jr., and Thomas Waltzek

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Aquaculture