Skip to main content
IFAS ExtensionUniversity of Florida
Login
Photo of Eric J. Cassiano

Eric J. Cassiano

Specialist

Send Email

Eric J. Cassiano

Orcid ID0000-0003-4178-2048

Specialist

FFGS Profile

TAL profile

Publications

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

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.

thumbnail for publication: Preventing Escape of Non-Native Species from Aquaculture Facilities in Florida, Part 4: Operational Strategies

Preventing Escape of Non-Native Species from Aquaculture Facilities in Florida, Part 4: Operational Strategies

Quenton Tuckett, Carlos V. Martinez, yJeffrey E. Hill
Otros contactos: Eric J. Cassiano

When strategies to prevent the escape of non-native species from aquaculture facilities are considered, it is usually structural strategies, discussed in Part 3 of this series, that receive the most attention. The emphasis on structures makes sense because many of these structures (e.g., detention ponds and swales) have numerous environmental benefits (Shireman and Cichra 1994). Further, research at the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory has shown that structural strategies also reduce non-compliance with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practices (BMPs) (FDACS 2015; Tuckett et al. 2014). On the other hand, the operational strategies discussed in this article, the management of water, facilities, and employees, must not be overlooked. Operational strategies are easy, inexpensive, and, when used alongside structural strategies, highly effective, offering an impressive return on a minimal investment in the overall effort to minimize the

thumbnail for publication: Energy Efficiency for Florida Aquaculture Facilities: Energy Audits

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.

thumbnail for publication: The Effects of Regulations on the Florida Ornamental Aquaculture Industry, an Infographic

The Effects of Regulations on the Florida Ornamental Aquaculture Industry, an Infographic

Eric J. Cassiano yMatthew A. DiMaggio

This infographic accompanies "The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida" (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA248), an Ask IFAS factsheet that discusses the results of a study conducted to measure the impact of regulations on ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida using on-farm data from 2018. Florida’s diverse ornamental aquaculture industry has many unique challenges that set it apart from other aquaculture commodity groups. The numerous production techniques, diversity of species, and various market outlets make the ornamental aquaculture industry an intriguing study in how regulations impact the industry. By understanding regulatory impacts, we can streamline efforts to address them.

thumbnail for publication: Energy Efficiency for Florida Aquaculture Facilities: Variable Frequency Drives

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.

thumbnail for publication: Freshwater Ornamental Aquatic Plant Production in Florida

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. 

thumbnail for publication: The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida

The Effects of Regulation on Ornamental Aquaculture Farms in Florida

Noah C. Boldt, Jonathan van Senten, Carole R. Engle, Eric J. Cassiano, and Matthew A. DiMaggio

Florida’s diverse ornamental aquaculture industry has many unique challenges that set it apart from other aquaculture commodity groups.  The numerous production techniques, diversity of species, and various market outlets make the ornamental aquaculture industry an intriguing study in how regulations impact the industry.  By understanding those regulatory impacts, we can streamline efforts to address them.  A study was conducted to measure the regulatory impact on ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida using on-farm data from 2018. All farms were censused in the state and results covered 82% of the industry with a response rate of 41% of farms. This factsheet discusses the results of that study and the regulatory burden that the ornamental aquaculture industry in Florida endures.