Scott A. Holt- Personal Profile

Scott A. Holt (more information)

Research Associate, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, M.S., Wildlife and Fisheries, Texas A&M University (1976), B.S. Texas A&M University (1969) 

Larval Fish Ecology

Habitat utilization by larval and juvenile fishes; growth and mortality of larvae and juveniles; transport and settlement processes in fish larvae; sound production during courtship and spawning in adult sciaenids 

Research Interests

Fish have developed a wide range of biological adaptations to diverse habitats. Some have developed remarkable adaptations to specific habitats while others are broad generalist, making use of a wide variety of habitats. How fishes come to populate these various habitats, and how a specific habitats quality and quantity affect the well being and success of both the individual fish and the population are a central focus of my research. Events in the early life of fishes, the egg, larval and early juvenile stages, are believed to be crucial in establishing the success or failure of the population. 

One focus of our work deals with the effects of larval supply on successful settlement to nursery habitats. We are investigating various aspects of the movement of eggs and larvae from spawning sites to nursery areas in several sciaenid species, primarily red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonais undulatus). Both species spawn in the coastal ocean outside the estuary or within the tidal inlet. Our investigations involve studies of the spatial and temporal distribution of larvae in the coastal ocean, in the tidal inlet and within the estuary and the role of hydrodynamics in their settlement into nursery sites. Another avenue of research deals with nursery habitat utilization by larvae and juveniles. Young red drum are found primarily in seagrass meadows. We have determined growth and mortality rates in these habitats using otolith analysis, seasonal patterns of resource use, and feeding habits.

A new aspect of our research program is the study of location and timing of spawning in several sciaenid species by analysis of the sounds made during courtship activities 

Contact: Scott A. Holt
Created: Mon Dec 18 09:13:40 CST 2000