Leo Nankervis
- leo.nankervis@jcu.edu.au
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6845-690X- Associate Professor, Aquaculture
- Marine Biology & Aquaculture
Projects
21
Publications
33
Awards
0
Biography
A/Prof Leo Nankervis is an expert in aquaculture nutrition and feed development. He leads the Tropical Aquafeeds Innovations Laboratory at James Cook University, which engages with fundamental research, development and consultancy within the Australian and international aquaculture industries.
With a strong track record of commercial research, development and management within the global aquafeeds industry, A/Prof Nankervis has particular interests in the interface between research and implementation. He brings a diversity of experience, having lived in Australia, Norway and The Netherlands for extended periods and working across the aquaculture industry in 5 continents. Having led large highly skilled research and business groups, A/Prof Nankervis has experience with nutrition, formulation, quality, sustainability, feed safety, communications and feed production technologies in addition to his pimary focus of nutrition R&D.
Research interests include using physiology to solve commercially relevant production bottlenecks, raw materials for aquafeeds, nutrient requirements, digestive processes in aquatic organisms, taste and palatability.
Research
Projects
Closing the life-cycle of high-value Lysmata debelius shrimp in captivity
11 May 2026 - 10 May 2027
Living Water RUIC: Crayfeed
15 Jun 2025 - 01 Feb 2026
Living Water RUIC: Crayfeed
15 Jun 2025 - 01 Feb 2026
Australian Renderers Association Nutrition Workshops
01 Oct 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
Australian Renderers Association Nutrition Workshops
01 Oct 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
Evaluating Australian grains potential for Aquafeed in SE Asia (Old ID 31119)
15 Aug 2023 - 15 Jun 2024
Protein and energy requirements of grass emperor (Old ID 28953)
01 Apr 2023 - 01 Dec 2023
Towards sustainable economic aquafeed for spiny lobsters (Old ID 27894)
01 Jan 2023 - 01 Jan 2024
PNG & Pacific Island Nations Feeds Review. (Old ID 27717)
24 Jun 2022 - 31 Oct 2023
ARC Research Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture Through Genetic Solutions (Old ID 27374)
09 Sep 2021 - 31 Dec 2025
Supporting grouper farming small holders in Vietnam to produce commercial feeds (Old ID 27286)
01 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2023
Acti-meal dose-response for abalone. (Old ID 26882)
17 Jun 2020 - 31 Dec 2020
ACIAR Lobster Nutrition Review (Old ID 26829)
15 Apr 2020 - 30 Nov 2020
Grouper nutrition review (Old ID 26828)
15 Apr 2020 - 29 Jan 2021
Scoping study for hybrid grouper aquaculture production in Vietnam (Old ID 26763)
24 Feb 2020 - 17 Apr 2020
Research Data
Teaching
Taught Modules
[AQ3002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2023
[AQ3002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2024
[AQ5002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2023
2024
[AQ5002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2024
[AQ3002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator
2025
2022
2024
[AQ3008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2022
[AQ3008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2023
[AQ3008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2024
[AQ3008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2025
[AQ5002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2022
2025
2025
[AQ5008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2022
[AQ5008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2023
[AQ5008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2024
[AQ5008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2025
2023
2023
2023
2025
2023
2023
2023
2023
2024
2023
2023
2024
2023
2023
[AQ3002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2022
2023
2021
2023
2022
2023
2023
2021
2022
2022
2021
2025
[AQ5002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator
2025
2025
[AQ2002] Aquaculture of Tropical SpeciesCoordinator
2025
[AQ3007] Aquatic Animal EcophysiologyCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[AQ5007] Aquatic Animal EcophysiologyCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
2026
[AQ3008] Aquaculture: Systems DesignCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
2026
[AQ3002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
2026
2026
[AQ5002] Aquaculture: Feeds and NutritionCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
2026
2025
2025
Current JCU Research Students
Advancing Bioscience Culture Technology: Physiological Responses of Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus) to Husbandry Stressors: Insights from Hemolymph Biomarkers
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Chitosan in Aquaculture: Effect on The Physical Properties of Pellets, Growth Performances, Survival Rate, and Physiological Aspects of Australian Spiny Lobster Panulirus ornatus
Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
Nutritional Factors Affecting Proper Bone Formation for Growth and Reduction of Deformities in Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Dietary carotenoid supplementations to modulate yellow colouration of Giant Grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus and the impact of environmental and physiological factors on their efficacy
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Planktivorous fishes on coral reefs: A trophic exploration
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Exploring limitations in dietary starch inclusion for giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Extended circular economy pathways for aquafeeds: towards Black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and Hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ? × E. lanceolatus ?) nutrition
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
Completed JCU Research Students
Development of advanced reproductive techniques to achieve short-term and long-term storage of silver-lip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) sperm
Master of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)- 2026
Enhancing Reproduction in Female Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) for Commercial Juvenile Production
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)- 2024
Nutritional requirements and optimised feed development for juvenile Malabar snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus)
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)- 2025
Sperm quality of male redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus): Insights from conventional and advanced sperm diagnostic tools, methods of spermatophore collection, and broodstock nutrition
Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)- 2024
Activities
Education
PhD, James Cook University
2002 - 2005
BSc(Hons), James Cook University
1996 - 1999
Associations
Committees
FRDC Queelsland Research Advisory Committee
2023 - 2025
Employment
Senior Lecturer, James Cook University
2020 - 2024
Adjunct Lecturer, James Cook University
2005 - 2007
Assistant Hatchery Manager, Seafood Online
2000 - 2002
Output
Nankervis, L.; Barbero, G.; Irving, A.; Joyce, M.; Pizzutto, M.; Diedrich, A.; Condon, K. (2022) Future-proofing the NA aquaculture industry need for skilled staff to 2050. Townsville: [Report]
Bansemer, M.S.; Stone, D.A.J.; Skordas, P; Currie, K.; Crowe, B.; Nankervis, L.; Salini, M.; (2019) 3.1.3.1. Manuscript - Reducing dietary wild derived fish meal inclusion levels in production diets for large Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) (N5/N2; Output 2a) [In: Stone, D.A.J., Booth, M.A. and Clarke, S.M. (eds).Growing a Profitable, Innovative and Collaborative Australian Yellowtail Kingfish Aquaculture Industry: Bringing ‘White’ Fish to the Market (DAWR Grant Agreement RnD4Profit-14-01-027)]. Adelaide, SA, Australia: [Report]
Fjelldahl, Per Gunnar; Albrektsen, Sissel; Witten, Eckhard; Fontanillas, Ramon; Nankervis, Leo; Thomsen, Tårn Helgøy; Breck, Olav (2014) Sluttrapport: Beinhelse og fosforbehov i laks [Bone health and phosphorous status in salmon]. Norway: [Report]
Other Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Nankervis, Leo (2005) Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the protein nutrition of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) larvae fed formulated foods. [Thesis]
Maveto, Albino M.; Candebat, Caroline; Marc, Adrien F.; Das, Simon Kumar; Nankervis, Leo (2026) 'Interactive Effects of Dietary Starch Level and Ingredient Grinding Size on Growth, Intestinal Health and Liver Condition of Juvenile Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 2026 (1). [DOI]
Ihsan, Muhsinul; Hammel, Nathan; Das, Simon Kumar; Jones, Clive; Nankervis, Leo (2025) 'Comparative Evaluation of Feed Binders for Optimising Feeding in Tropical Rock Lobster (Panulirus ornatus)'. Fishes, 10 . [DOI]
Nguyen, Thu Thi Anh; Le, Cuong Thanh; Nankervis, Leo; Van, Cam Hong; Vu, Sang Van; Dao, Minh Hai; Thi Pham, Khanh; Van Phan, Ut (2025) 'Black garlic (Allium sativum) powder, a promising feed supplementation improves hematological and immunological indices, body composition, and growth performance of golden pompano (Trachinotus blochii)'. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 82 . [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Neil, Rachel C.; Barton, Jonathan A.; Heyward, Andrew; Francis, David S.; Nankervis, Leo; Mock, Thomas S.; Bourne, David G.; Humphrey, Craig (2025) 'Improving Coral Grow-Out Through an Integrated Aquaculture Approach'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 2025 (1). [DOI]
Ngoh, Si Yan; Shen, Xueyan; Nankervis, Leo; Chia, Isaiah; Hua, Katheline (2025) 'Evaluation of nutritional value and quality of aquafeed ingredients for Malabar snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus)'. Aquaculture, 600 . [DOI]
Butler, Grace; Candebat, Caroline Lourdes; Das, Simon Kumar; Nankervis, Leo (2025) 'Dietary methionine and choline mediate mobilisation of plasma lipids to improve feed efficiency for the diets of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)'. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 324 . [DOI]
Butler, Grace; Candebat, Caroline Lourdes; Das, Simon Kumar; Nankervis, Leo (2025) 'Improving lipid utilization and growth through lecithin inclusion in diets for giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)'. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 326 . [DOI]
Ngoh, Si Yan; Shen, Xueyan; Chan, Tai Lok; Nankervis, Leo; Hua, Katheline (2025) 'Effects of digestible protein and energy on growth, amino acid requirements and protein utilisation in juvenile Malabar snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus): A four-protein by three-energy factorial design study'. Aquaculture, 600 . [DOI]
Kwok, Aidan; Domingos, Jose A.; Oh, Joseph; Chan, Piero; Ong, Joyce; Nankervis, Leo; Ling, Jeffrey; Nichol, Robert; Gibson-Kueh, Susan (2024) 'The Pathology and Blood Biochemistry of Juvenile Lates calcarifer on Diets Contaminated With Mycotoxins, Histamines and Rancid Fats - A Case Study'. Journal of Fish Diseases, . [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Peters, Chris; Infante Villamil, Sandra; Nankervis, Leo (2024) 'The Periodic Feeding Frequency of the Juvenile Tropical Rock Lobster (Panulirus ornatus) in the Examination of Chemo-Attract Diet Performance and Colour-Contrast Preference'. Animals, 14 . [DOI]
Chen, Weiyu; Jerry, Dean R.; White, Ronald D.; Nankervis, Leo (2024) 'Non-Invasive Prediction of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Flesh Lightness Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy'. Aquaculture Research, 2024 (1). [DOI]
Ngoh, Si Yan; Shen, Xueyan; Nankervis, Leo; Hua, Katheline (2024) 'Evaluation of Energy Utilisation Efficiencies of Digestible Macronutrients in Juvenile Malabar Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) Reveals High Protein Requirement for Optimal Growth Using Both Factorial and Multifactorial Approaches'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 2024 (1). [DOI]
Candebat, Caroline Lordes; Eddie, Thibault; Marc, Adrien Francois; Fernando, Fernando; Nankervis, Leo (2023) 'Exploring the physiological plasticity of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) to dietary sulfur amino acids and taurine to measure dietary requirements and essentiality'. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 49 :829-851. [DOI]
Bansemer, Matthew S.; Salini, Michael J.; Nankervis, Leo; Stone, David A.J. (2023) 'Reducing dietary wild derived fishmeal inclusion levels in production diets for large yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)'. Aquaculture, 572 . [DOI]
Gahan, James; Bellwood, David R.; Nankervis, Leo; Tebbett, Sterling B. (2023) 'Spatial and temporal variability in tropical off-reef zooplankton across broad spatial and temporal scales'. Marine Environmental Research, 191 . [DOI]
Nankervis, Leo; Cobcroft, Jennifer M.; Nguyen, Nguyen V.; Rimmer, Michael A. (2022) 'Advances in practical feed formulation and adoption for hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) aquaculture'. Reviews in Aquaculture, 14 (1):288-307. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Li, Joan Y.Q.; Nankervis, Leo; Dawson, Amanda L. (2022) 'Digesting the Indigestible: Microplastic Extraction from Prawn Digestive Tracts'. Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry, 3 . [DOI]
Fernando, Fernando; Candebat, Caroline L.; Strugnell, Jan M.; Andreakis, Nikolaos; Nankervis, Leo (2022) 'Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin modulates skin color and liver antioxidant status of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)'. Aquaculture Reports, 26 . [DOI]
Nankervis, Leo; Jones, Clive (2022) 'Recent advances and future directions in practical diet formulation and adoption in tropical Palinurid lobster aquaculture'. Reviews in Aquaculture, 14 (4):1830-1842. [DOI]
Fraser, Thomas W. K.; Witten, P. Eckhard; Albrektsen, Sissel; Breck, Olav; Fontanillas, Roman; Nankervis, Leo; Thomsen, Tårn Helgøy; Koppe, Wolfgang; Sambraus, Florian; Fjelldal, Per Gunnar (2019) 'Phosphorus nutrition in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): life stage and temperature effects on bone pathologies'. Aquaculture, 511 . [DOI]
Vikesa, Vibeke; Nankervis, Leo; Hevroy, Ernst Morten (2017) 'Appetite, metabolism and growth regulation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) exposed to hypoxia at elevated seawater temperature'. Aquaculture Research, 48 :4086-4101. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Vikeså, V.; Nankervis, L.; Hevrøy, E. M. (2017) 'High dietary energy level stimulates growth hormone receptorand feed utilization in large Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) under hypoxic conditions'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 23 :1193-1203. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Vikesa, V; Nankervis, L.; Remo, S.C.; Waagbo, R.; Hevroy, E.M. (2015) 'Pre and postprandial regulation of ghrelin, amino acids and IGF1 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) at optimal and elevated seawater temperatures'. Aquaculture, 438 :159-169. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Linn, Saw Mya; Ishika, Manaba; Koshio, Shunsuke; Yokoyama, Saichiro; Murata, Takuya; Hamasaki, Yuta; Nankervis, Leo (2014) 'Effects of replacing fish meal with plant protein on growth performance, feed utilization and oxidative condition of red sea bream Pagrus major'. Aquaculture Science, 62 (4):341-352. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Nankervis, L.; Southgate, P.C. (2009) 'Enzyme and acid treatment of fish meal for incorporation into formulated microbound diets for barramundi (Lates calcarifer) larvae'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 15 (2):135-143. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Frisch, A.J.; Baker, R.; Hobbs, J-P. A.; Nankervis, L. (2008) 'A quantitative comparison of recreational spearfishing
and linefishing on the Great Barrier Reef: implications
for management of multi-sector coral reef fisheries'. Coral Reefs, 27 (1):85-95. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Nankervis, Leo; Southgate, Paul C. (2006) 'An integrated assessment of gross marine protein sources used in formulated microbound diets for barramundi (Lates calcarifer) larvae'. Aquaculture, 257 (1-4):453-464. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Nankervis, L.; Southgate, P.C. (2006) 'The influence of dietary protein and energy levels on growth, survival and thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) composition of Lates calcarifer larvae'. Aquaculture Nutrition, 12 (3):219-226. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Nankervis, L.; Matthews, S.J.; Appleford, P. (2000) 'Effect of dietary non-protein energy source on growth, nutrient retention and circulating insulin-like growth factor I and triiodothyronine levels in juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer'. Aquaculture, 191 (4):323-335. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU