Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Matthew DiMaggio

Director
Associate Professor & Extension Specialist

Dr. Matt DiMaggio joined University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation in 2014 as an assistant professor at the UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin. His research program focuses on the culture of ornamental fish species in Florida, and he works closely with the local industry to identify opportunities for optimization and innovation. He has a broad foundation in the field of aquaculture, having conducted research with both marine and freshwater species produced for food, bait, and ornamental purposes. His previous investigations have focused on a myriad of applied culture aspects including live feed production, larval rearing, and induced spawning. Additionally, elucidation of basic physiological responses within a species can provide an opportunity for intervention or manipulation to achieve desired outcomes in a production setting. Consequently, reproductive endocrinology, stress physiology, and osmoregulation are areas of particular interest due to their importance for the successful propagation of fishes in captivity.

Matt became Director of the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab in April 2023.

Matt DiMaggio with fish

Matt DiMaggio bio page

CONTACT

UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory
1408 24th Street SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
mdimaggi@ufl.edu
813-671-5230 x107

Google Scholar Profile

Education

Ph.D., Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2012, University of Florida

M.S., Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2008, University of Florida

B.S., Biology, 2003, State University of New York at Geneseo

Courses Taught

FAS 6932 - Aquaculture II
This course builds upon the foundations of the Aquaculture I (previously Introduction to Aquaculture) course (FAS6932). Students are exposed to more advanced concepts including aquaculture engineering and system design; broodstock management; live feeds and algae production; economics and marketing; as well as biosecurity. Application of principles and concepts presented in this class are emphasized. At the conclusion of this course students should have a firm grasp of critical concepts in aquaculture and be better prepared for careers in private, state, and federal organizations as well as academia.

Current Students

Brittney Lacy - Ph.D. student

Casey Murray - Ph.D. candidate

Olivia Markham - Ph.D. student

Brandon Ray - M.S. student

Former Students

Noah Boldt - M.S. (2021)

Sarah Hutchins - M.S. (2022)

Taylor Lipscomb – Ph.D. (2020)

Grace Sowaske - M.S. (2020)

Shane Ramee - Ph.D. (2019)

Research Publications (2017 - Present)

For the most recent publications, please visit Matt's Google Scholar Profile.

F.A. Shopnitz, C.L. Ohs, E.H. Silvy, J.S. Broach, M.A. DiMaggio, J.T. Patterson, and A. Collins. 2022. Evaluation of anesthesia protocols for handling Hogfish using tricaine methanesulfonate and AQUI-S 20E. North American Journal of Aquaculture 84:3.
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Breton, T.S., C.A. Murray, S. Huff, A.M. Phaneuf, B. Tripp, S.J. Patuel, C.J. Martyniuk, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2022. Phoenixin-14 alters transcriptome and steroid profiles in female green-spotted puffer (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis). Scientific Reports 12:9454.
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Boldt, N.C., C.R. Engle, J. van Senten, E.J. Cassiano, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2022. A regulatory cost assessment of ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 2022:1-20.
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Lipscomb T.N., A. Durland-Donahou, R.P. Yanong, N.C. Boldt, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2022. Investigations into early larval feeding practices for the Tiger Barb Puntigrus tetrazona. North American Journal of Aquaculture 84:53-65.
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Ohs, C.L., A.H. Beany, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2021. Survey of Florida marine baitfish retailers: assessment of wholesale supply and the market potential for cultured Pinfish and Pigfish. Aquaculture Economics and Management 26:1.
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Breton, T.S., W.G. Sampson, B. Clifford, A.M. Phaneuf, I. Smidt, T. True, A.R. Wilcox, T. Lipscomb, C. Murray, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2021. Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor family SREB across fish evolution. Scientific Reports 11(1):1-17.
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Lipscomb, T.N., J.T. Patterson, A.L. Wood, C.A. Watson, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. Larval growth, survival, and partial budget analysis related to replacing Artemia in larval culture of six freshwater ornamental fishes. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 51(5):1132-1144.
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Lipscomb, T., A. Wood, Q. Tuckett, J. Patterson, S. Ramee, C. Watson, and M. DiMaggio. 2020. Culture protocols for the Gulf Coast Pygmy Sunfish Elassoma gilberti. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 51(3):679-689.
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Lipscomb, T.N., R.P. Yanong, S.W. Ramee, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. Histological, histochemical and biochemical characterization of larval digestive system ontogeny in Black Tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi to inform aquaculture weaning protocols. Aquaculture 520:734957.
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Ramee, S.W., T.N. Lipscomb, A.L. Wood, C.A. Watson, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. The effect of dietary 17α‐methyltestosterone administration on secondary sex coloration in adult female Rosy Barbs and Dwarf Gouramis. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 51(5):1119-1131.
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Ramee, S.W., T.N. Lipscomb, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. Evaluation of the effect of larval stocking density, salinity, and temperature on stress response and sex differentiation in the Dwarf Gourami and Rosy Barb. Aquaculture Reports 16:100287.
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Sipos, M., T. Lipscomb, A. Wood, S. Ramee, M. DiMaggio, and C. Watson. 2020. Evaluation of cGnRH IIa for induction spawning of two ornamental Synodontis species. Aquaculture 511:734226.
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Sipos, M., T. Lipscomb, A. Wood, S. Ramee, M. DiMaggio, and C. Watson. 2020. Evaluation of three embryo disinfectants on hatching success in four freshwater ornamental fish species. North American Journal of Aquaculture 82(1):63-70.
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Patterson, J.T., M.A. DiMaggio, C.C. Green, and C.A. Watson. 2019. Volitional spawning of captive reared age-4 Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula. North American Journal of Aquaculture 81:291-295.
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Lee, I., C.L. Ohs, J.S. Broach, M.A. DiMaggio, and C.A. Watson. 2018. Determining live prey preferences of larval ornamental marine fish utilizing fluorescent microspheres. Aquaculture 490:125-135.
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Lipscomb, T.N., A.L. Wood, M.A. DiMaggio, Q.M. Tuckett, L.L. Lawson, and C.A. Watson. 2018. Evaluation of spawning aids and administration routes on ovulation success in an ornamental cyprinid. Aquaculture Research 49:3926-3929.
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Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, and A.H. Beany. 2018. Preferences for and perception of cultured marine baitfish by recreational saltwater anglers in Florida. Aquaculture Economics and Management 22:264-278.
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Broach, J.S., C.L. Ohs, M.A. DiMaggio, and N.E. Breen. 2017. Evaluation of nutritional and environmental variables during early larval culture of Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera (Linnaeus). Aquaculture Research 48:434-446.
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Broach, J.S., C.L. Ohs, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2017. Effects of egg stocking density on egg hatchability, larval quality and water quality for Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. Aquaculture Research 48:3589-3605.
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DiMaggio, M.A., E.J. Cassiano, K.P. Barden, S.W. Ramee, C.L. Ohs, and C.A. Watson. 2017. First record of captive larval culture and metamorphosis of the Pacific Blue Tang, Paracanthurus hepatus. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 48:393-401.
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Joseph, L.M.V., C.L. Ohs, M.A. DiMaggio, and J.S. Broach. 2017. Effects of brood density and spawning substrate type and orientation on the reproductive output of Seminole Killifish Fundulus seminolis in tanks. North American Journal of Aquaculture 79:267-274.
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Research Publications (2007 - 2016)

Berlinsky, D.L., M.T. Watson, M.A. DiMaggio, and T.S. Breton. 2016. The use of tricaine methanesulfonate, clove oil, metomidate, and 2-phenoxyethanol for anesthesia induction in Alewives. North American Journal of Aquaculture 78:84-91.
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DiMaggio, M.A., T.S. Breton, L.W. Kenter, C.G. Diessner, A.I. Burgess, and D.L. Berlinsky. 2016. The effects of elevated salinity on River Herring embryo and larval survival. Environmental Biology of Fishes 99:451-461.
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DiMaggio, M.A., L.W. Kenter, T.S. Breton, and D.L. Berlinsky. 2016. Effects of dietary genistein administration on growth, survival and sex determination in Southern Flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma. Aquaculture Research 47:82-90.
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Berlinsky, D.L., M.A. DiMaggio, T.S. Breton, J. Walsh, and A.I. Kovach. 2015. Peritoneal pigmentation in purebred and hybrid River Herring. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 144:717-723.
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Breton T.S., M.A. DiMaggio, S.A. Sower, and D.L. Berlinsky. 2015. Brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (gnrh2 and gnrh3) expression during reproductive development and sex change in Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 181:45-53.
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Broach, J.S., C.L. Ohs, M.A. DiMaggio, C.C. Green, and D.R. Yante. 2015. Efficacy of varying doses of pituitary extract from Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, on spawning performance of Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. North American Journal of Aquaculture 77:245-254.
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DiMaggio, M.A., H.J. Pine, L.W. Kenter, and D.L. Berlinsky. 2015. Spawning, larviculture and salinity tolerance of Alewives and Blueback Herring in captivity. North American Journal of Aquaculture 77:302-311.
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DiMaggio, M.A., C.L. Ohs, J.S. Broach, and T.D. Sink. 2014. Effect of stocking density on growth, survival, and stress physiology of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. North American Journal of Aquaculture 76:201-210.
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DiMaggio, M.A., J.S. Broach, and C.L. Ohs. 2014. Evaluation of Ovaprim and human chorionic gonadotropin doses on spawning induction and egg and larval quality of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 45:243-257.
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DiMaggio, M.A., J.S. Broach, and C.L. Ohs. 2013. Evaluation of Ovaprim and human chorionic gonadotropin doses on spawning induction and egg and larval quality of Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. Aquaculture 414-415:9-18.
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Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, S.W. Grabe, J.S. Broach, C.A. Watson, N.E. Breen, and F.T. Barrows. 2013. Effects of increasing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) in brood diets of Monodactylus sebae on fecundity, egg and larval quality, and egg fatty acid composition. North American Journal of Aquaculture 75:285-294.
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DiMaggio, M.A., J.S. Broach, C.L. Ohs, and S.W. Grabe. 2013. Captive volitional spawning and larval rearing of Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. North American Journal of Aquaculture 75:109-113.
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Cassiano, E.J., C.L. Ohs, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2012. Stress survival in larvae of Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) fed enriched rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) and nauplii of the calanoid copepod (Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus). The Israeli Journal of Aquaculture-Bamidgeh 64:793-801.

DiMaggio, M.A., S.W. Grabe, S.M. DeSantis, and C.L. Ohs. 2010. Induced volitional spawning and larval rearing of Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. North American Journal of Aquaculture 72:252-257.
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DiMaggio, M.A., C.L. Ohs, and B.D. Petty. 2010. Evaluation of a point-of-care blood analyzer for use in determination of select hematological indices in the Seminole Killifish, Fundulus seminolis. North American Journal of Aquaculture 72:261-268.
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DiMaggio, M.A., C.L. Ohs, S.W. Grabe, B.D. Petty, and A.L. Rhyne. 2010. Osmoregulatory evaluation of Fundulus seminolis following gradual seawater acclimation. North American Journal of Aquaculture 72:124-131.
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Ohs, C.L., A.L. Rhyne, S.W. Grabe, M.A. DiMaggio, and E. Stenn. 2010. Effect of salinity on reproduction and survival of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus. Aquaculture 307:219-224.
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Ohs, C.L., K.A. Chang, S.W. Grabe, M.A. DiMaggio, and E. Stenn. 2010. Evaluation of dietary microalgae for culture of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus. Aquaculture 307:225-232.
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Ohs, C.L., S.W. Grabe, S.M. DeSantis, M.A. DiMaggio, and A.L. Rhyne. 2010. Culture of Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) at different stocking densities and salinities in recirculating aquaculture systems. North American Journal of Aquaculture 72:132-140.

DiMaggio, M.A., C.L. Ohs, and B.D. Petty. 2009. Salinity tolerance of the Seminole Killifish, Fundulus seminolis, a candidate species for marine baitfish aquaculture. Aquaculture 293:74-80.
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Ni, J., T. Mai, S.T. Pang, I. Haque, K. Huang, M.A. DiMaggio, S. Xie, N.S. James, D. Kasi, S.R. Chemler, and S. Yeh. 2009. In Vitro and In Vivo anticancer effects of the novel vitamin E ether analog, RRR-alpha-tocopheryloxybutyl sulfonic acid, in prostate cancer. Clinical Cancer Research 15(3):898-906.
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DiMaggio, M.A., B.D. Petty, and C.L. Ohs. 2008. The parasitic fauna of the Seminole Killifish, Fundulus seminolis, from Lake George, Florida. European Association of Fish Pathologists 28(6):238-244.
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Yin, Y., J. Ni, M. Chen, M.A. DiMaggio, Y. Guo, and S. Yeh. 2007. The therapeutic and preventive effect of RRR-alpha-vitamin E succinate on prostate cancer via induction of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3. Clinical Cancer Research 13(7):2271-2280.
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Extension Publications

For the most recent publications, please visit Matt's Google Scholar Profile.

Groover, E.M., M.A. DiMaggio, and E.J. Cassiano. 2020. Overview of commonly cultured marine ornamental fish. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA224.
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Von Linden, J., J.T. Patterson, C.L. Ohs, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. Aquaculture applications of the family Blenniidae. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA225.
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Von Linden, J., J.T. Patterson, C.L. Ohs, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2020. Aquaculture applications of the family Gobiidae. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA226.
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Ramee, S., T. Lipscomb, and M. DiMaggio. 2019. Microworm culture for use in freshwater ornamental aquaculture. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA214.
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Roan, E.H., L. Tiu, R.P.E. Yanong, M.A. DiMaggio, and J.T. Patterson. 2019. Overview of urban aquaculture. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA217.
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Watson, C., M. DiMaggio, J. Hill, Q. Tuckett, and R. Yanong. 2019. Evolution, culture, and care for Betta splendens. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA212.
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Ramee, S.W., J.T. Patterson, C.L. Ohs, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2016. Candidate species for Florida aquaculture: Gulf Killifish, Fundulus grandis. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA190.
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Cassiano, E., M. DiMaggio, C. Ohs, and J. Marcellus. 2015. Using airlifts to collect and concentrate copepod nauplii. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA188.
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Ohs, C.L., R.L. Creswell, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2013. Growing marine baitfish: a guide to Florida’s common marine baitfish and their potential for aquaculture. Florida Sea Grant College Program and the University of Florida. University of Florida/IFAS Publication SGEB-69.
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Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, and S.W. Grabe. 2011. Species profile: Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication #7209.
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Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, and S.W. Grabe. 2011. Species profile: Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication #7210.
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Ohs, C.L., S.W. Grabe, and M.A. DiMaggio. 2010. Candidate species for Florida aquaculture: Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA168.
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