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.

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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here 

  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.
  Read Here 

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.  
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here 

  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.
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.  
  Read Here

   

• 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.
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here 

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

• 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. 
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  Ramee, S., T. Lipscomb, and M. DiMaggio. 2019. Microworm culture for use in freshwater ornamental aquaculture. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS Publication FA214.
  Read Here

  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. 
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here

  Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, and S.W. Grabe. 2011. Species profile: Pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera. USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication #7209.
  Read Here

  Ohs, C.L., M.A. DiMaggio, and S.W. Grabe. 2011. Species profile: Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication #7210.
  Read Here

  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.
  Read Here