Research Interests: (1) Ecology, life history, and effects of non-native species in aquatic systems. Assessment of ecological risks associated with nonnative aquatic species in natural systems and the use of these organisms in human activities such as sport fishing, the aquarium hobby, and aquaculture. (2) Tropical ornamental aquaculture, including commercial production and controlled spawning. (3) Ecology, life history, and taxonomy of freshwater fishes from the southeastern USA and from tropical regions worldwide.

Dr. Jeffrey Hill joined the FAS faculty in January 2006. He is located at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL) in Ruskin (near Tampa) and maintains close associations with departmental and other UF programs in Gainesville. He has been involved in research and extension activities in tropical ornamental aquaculture and in nonnative aquatic species as a postdoctoral associate at the TAL since 2003. His graduate work investigated the ecology of native and nonnative predatory fishes in Florida. Prior to graduate school, he cultured African cichlids on his tropical ornamental fish farm in south Florida.

Dr. Hill employs a combination of field sampling and experimental studies, coupled with ecological theory, to provide science-based information on nonnative aquatic species to natural resource agencies, industry, and other stakeholders. He is interested in the use of nonnative species in aquaculture and in other human activities.

Recent research projects in nonnative aquatic species include feeding ecology of native largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and introduced butterfly peacock bass Cichla ocellaris in southeast Florida canals and diet studies of the Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus, a potential pest species in ornamental aquaculture ponds in Florida.

Recent research in aquaculture includes topical and immersion application of hormones for induced spawning of ornamental fish, effectiveness studies of aquaculture chemicals and therapeutants for approval through the US Food and Drug Administration's Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) approval process, and evaluation of various feeding and fertilizing regimes for pond production of tropical ornamental fishes.

Dr. Hill is a member of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Transgenic Aquatic Species Task Force, a scientific advisory committee evaluating applications for culturing transgenic species in Florida aquaculture. He is a member of the Monitoring and Detection Committee and the Research Committee of the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and a member of Florida's Risk Assessment Sub-Working Group.
 
New Course Planned for Fall 2006:

FAS 4932/6932 (Special Topics) Invasion Ecology of Aquatic Animals 3 credits. Lecture and discussion. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the field of invasion ecology and will emphasize aspects related to aquatic animals. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and invited expert speakers, students will be presented the ecological concepts and debates underlying this developing field; the biology and life history of nonnative aquatic animals, including characteristics of successful invaders (emphasis on Florida); risk analysis methodology; and the conservation and regulatory implications of nonnative aquatic species.

Email: jehill@ifas.ufl.edu

Phone: 813-671-5230 ext 118

Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Curriculum Vitae

Selected Publications:
Click on PDF to download a copy

Hill, J. E., and C. A. Watson. In press. Diet of the nonindigenous Asian swamp eel in tropical ornamental aquaculture ponds in west central Florida. North American Journal of Aquaculture.

Hill, J. E. 2006. Regulations pertaining to non-native fish in Florida aquaculture. University of Florida IFAS Extension Circular FA121. pdf

Crosby, T. C., J. E. Hill, C. A. Watson, R. P. E. Yanong, and R. Strange. 2006. Effects of tricaine methansulfonate, Hypno, Aquacalm, quinaldine, and salt on plasma cortisol levels following acute stress in three spot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 18: 58-63. pdf

Watson, C. A., and J. E. Hill. 2006. Design criteria for recirculating, marine ornamental production systems. Aquacultural Engineering 34:157-162. pdf

Yanong, R. P. E., J. E. Hill, C. J. Daniels, and C. A. Watson. 2006. Efficacy of 17-a-methyltestosterone for expression of male secondary sexual characteristics in the swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii. North American Journal of Aquaculture 68(3):224-229. PDF

Hill, J. E., J. D. Baldwin. J. S. Graves, R. Leonard, J. F. F. Powell, and C. A. Watson. 2005. Preliminary observations of topical gill application of reproductive hormones for induced spawning of a tropical ornamental fish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67:7-9. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and C. E. Cichra. 2005. Biological synopsis of five selected Florida centrarchid fishes with an emphasis on the effects of water level fluctuations. Special Publication SJ2005-SP3. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and C. E. Cichra. 2005. Biological synopsis of six selected Florida non-game, littoral fishes with an emphasis on the effects of water level fluctuations. Final report. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and C. E. Cichra. 2005. Eradication of a reproducing population of convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum (Cichlidae), in north-central Florida. Florida Scientist 68:65-74. (pdf)

Hill, J. E. 2004. A record of a nonindigenous fish, the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus: Ictaluridae), illegally introduced into the Suwannee River, Florida. Florida Scientist 67:254-257.

Hill, J. E., L. G. Nico, C. E. Cichra, and C. R. Gilbert. 2004. Prey vulnerability to peacock cichlids and largemouth bass based on predator gape and prey body depth. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 58:47-56. (pdf)

Watson, C. A., J. E. Hill, and D. B. Pouder. 2004. Species profile: koi and goldfish. Publication No. 7201. Southern Regional Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, Mississippi. (pdf)

Hill, J. E. 2002. Exotic fishes in Florida. LakeLines, North American Lake Management Society. 22(1):39-43. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and C. E. Cichra. 2002. The effects of water levels on fish populations. Special Publication SJ2002-SP1. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and C. E. Cichra. 2002. Annotated bibliography for water level effects on fish populations. Special Publication SJ2002-SP2. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida. (pdf)

Hill, J. E., and R. P. E. Yanong. 2002. Ornamental fish commonly cultured in Florida. University of Florida IFAS Extension Circular FA054. (pdf)

Tropical ornamental aquaculture is an important economic activity in Florida. Doctoral candidate Jon Kao maintains his experimental production system at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. He is using stable isotopes to help evaluate feed quality and fertilizer nutrient fate to improve efficiency of feeding and fertilizing practices in the industry.