Professor, Department of Marine Science 
Associate Director, Fisheries and Mariculture Lab, Marine Science Institute 

• Ph.D., Texas A&M University (1976) 
• M.S., The University of Texas at Arlington (1972) 
• B.S., The University of Texas at Arlington (1964) 

Larval Fish Ecology/Marine Aquaculture 

Physiological ecology of larval fish and biochemical measures of adaptation; larval fish transport and mechanism of recruitment to estuarine nursery grounds, growth and development in controlled culture; larval fish feeding and nutrition; tropical reef fish; marine aquaculture. 

Research Interests

Many physical, chemical and biological factors can affect growth and survival of larval and juvenile marine fish. My research focuses on biological and physical factors that limit or alter larval fish growth and development. This information is critical for understanding changes in natural populations and for increasing production in aquaculture systems. Current research using this approach includes several studies designed to clarify trophic interactions of larval fish, identify ontogenic changes in nutritional requirements, and explore biochemical techniques useful for determining physiological condition. 

Specific research projects include investigations of : 1) nutrition and feeding dynamics of fish larvae, 2) significance of seagrass nursery habitats for fish larvae, 3) influence of salinity on early life stages of marine fish, 4) reproduction and larval development of coral-reef fish and shrimp, and 5) spawning and optimal requirements for larviculture.

Selected Publications

Faulk, C.K. and G.J. Holt.  (accepted).  Early weaning of southern flounder, Paralichtys lethostigma, larvae and ontogeny of selected digestive enzymes.  Aquaculture.

Webb, K.A., I.A. Khan, S. Nunez, I. Rønnestad, G.J. Holt.  (accepted).  Cholecystokinin: Molecular cloning and immunohistochemical localization in the gastrointestinal tract of larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus).  General and Comparative Endocrinology.

Tidwell, M.T., S.A. Holt, J.R. Rooker, and G.J. Holt.  2008.  The distribution and feeding ecology of larval billfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico.  Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 60:379-84.

Holt, G.J., C.K. Faulk and M.H. Schwarz.  2007.  A review of larvae culture of cobia Rachycentron canadum a warm water marine species.  Aquaculture 268:181-187.

Perez-Dominquez, R. and G.J. Holt.  2006.  Interrenal and thyroid development in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus): Effects of nursery environment on larval growth and cortisol concentration during settlement.  General and Comparative Endocrinology 146:108-118.