Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts
Associate Professor

Ian Tibbetts

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54830

Background

I grew up on the Devon coast hunting among the fucoids for crabs and shrimp. I undertook research while at school on the diet of blennies. At university in Swansea, south Wales, and as a marine Biology student I investigated informally the behaviour of intertidal pool dwelling organisms andmore formally (Hons) the ecology of benthic invertebrates. My PhD at the University of Queensland delved into the ecology and evolution of halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae) . My research track-record since reflects both my early interests and those developed subsequent to my PhD. I have published in diverse fields reflecting my general curiosity about marine life, and in particular the dynamic between evolution and action addressing challenges to extant paradigms that my extensive time in the field have prompted.

Availability

Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Ecology Fisheries sciences Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Wales
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Ecology of grazers

Search Professor Ian Tibbetts’s works on UQ eSpace

142 works between 1991 and 2025
All (142) Journal Article (121) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (4) Book (3) Other Outputs (9)

41 - 60 of 142 works

2018

Journal Article

Morphological comparison of the ampullae of Lorenzini of three sympatric benthic rays

Gauthier, A. R. G., Whitehead, D. L., Tibbetts, I. R., Cribb, B. W. and Bennett, M. B. (2018). Morphological comparison of the ampullae of Lorenzini of three sympatric benthic rays. Journal of Fish Biology, 92 (2), 504-514. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13531

Morphological comparison of the ampullae of Lorenzini of three sympatric benthic rays

2018

Journal Article

Lack of multiple paternity in the oceanodromous tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Holmes, Bonnie J., Pope, Lisa C., Williams, Samuel M., Tibbetts, Ian R., Bennett, Mike B. and Ovenden, Jennifer R. (2018). Lack of multiple paternity in the oceanodromous tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Royal Society Open Science, 5 (1) 171385, 1-9. doi: 10.1098/rsos.171385

Lack of multiple paternity in the oceanodromous tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

2017

Journal Article

Umbrellas can work under water: Using threatened species as indicator and management surrogates can improve coastal conservation

Gilby, Ben L., Olds, Andrew D., Connolly, Rod M., Yabsley, Nicholas A., Maxwell, Paul S., Tibbetts, Ian R., Schoeman, David S. and Schlacher, Thomas A. (2017). Umbrellas can work under water: Using threatened species as indicator and management surrogates can improve coastal conservation. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 199, 132-140. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2017.10.003

Umbrellas can work under water: Using threatened species as indicator and management surrogates can improve coastal conservation

2017

Journal Article

Nekton communities as indicators of habitat functionality in Philippine mangrove plantations

Salmo, Severino G., Tibbetts, Ian R. and Duke, Norman C. (2017). Nekton communities as indicators of habitat functionality in Philippine mangrove plantations. Marine and Freshwater Research, 69 (3), 477-485. doi: 10.1071/MF17116

Nekton communities as indicators of habitat functionality in Philippine mangrove plantations

2017

Journal Article

Predator presence alters prey diet composition but not quantity in tide pool fish interactions

Gilby, B. L., Tibbetts, I. R., Van Bourg, J., Delisle, L. and Burfeind, D. D. (2017). Predator presence alters prey diet composition but not quantity in tide pool fish interactions. Hydrobiologia, 795 (1), 257-265. doi: 10.1007/s10750-017-3133-3

Predator presence alters prey diet composition but not quantity in tide pool fish interactions

2017

Journal Article

The trade-off between digestibility and phenol content influences the food choice of the obligate seagrass-feeding neritid snail Smaragdia souverbiana

Rotini, Alice, Tibbetts, Ian R., Migliore, Luciana and Rossini, Renee A. (2017). The trade-off between digestibility and phenol content influences the food choice of the obligate seagrass-feeding neritid snail Smaragdia souverbiana. Journal of Molluscan Studies, 84 (1), 12-18. doi: 10.1093/mollus/eyx038

The trade-off between digestibility and phenol content influences the food choice of the obligate seagrass-feeding neritid snail Smaragdia souverbiana

2017

Journal Article

Feeding dynamics, consumption rates and daily ration of wahoo Acanthocybium solandri in Indo-Pacific waters

Perelman, J. N., Schmidt, K. N., Haro, I., Tibbetts, I. R. and Zischke, M. T. (2017). Feeding dynamics, consumption rates and daily ration of wahoo Acanthocybium solandri in Indo-Pacific waters. Journal of Fish Biology, 90 (5), 1842-1860. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13270

Feeding dynamics, consumption rates and daily ration of wahoo Acanthocybium solandri in Indo-Pacific waters

2017

Journal Article

Low functional redundancy and high variability in Sargassum browsing fish populations in a subtropical reef system

Gilby, Ben L., Tibbetts, Ian R. and Stevens, Tim (2017). Low functional redundancy and high variability in Sargassum browsing fish populations in a subtropical reef system. Marine and Freshwater Research, 68 (2), 331-341. doi: 10.1071/MF15386

Low functional redundancy and high variability in Sargassum browsing fish populations in a subtropical reef system

2016

Journal Article

Colonization and shift of mollusc assemblages as a restoration indicator in planted mangroves in the Philippines

Salmo, Severino G., Tibbetts, Ian and Duke, Norman C. (2016). Colonization and shift of mollusc assemblages as a restoration indicator in planted mangroves in the Philippines. Biodiversity and Conservation, 26 (4), 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s10531-016-1276-6

Colonization and shift of mollusc assemblages as a restoration indicator in planted mangroves in the Philippines

2016

Journal Article

Optimising land-sea management for inshore coral reefs

Gilby, Ben L., Olds, Andrew D., Connolly, Rod M., Stevens, Tim, Henderson, Christopher J., Maxwell, Paul S., Tibbetts, Ian R., Schoeman, David S., Rissik, David and Schlacher, Thomas A. (2016). Optimising land-sea management for inshore coral reefs. PLoS ONE, 11 (10) e0164934, e0164934. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164934

Optimising land-sea management for inshore coral reefs

2016

Journal Article

Quantifying the influence of small omnivorous fishes on seagrass epiphyte load

Gilby, B. L., Henderson, C. J., Tibbetts, I. R. and Burfeind, D. D. (2016). Quantifying the influence of small omnivorous fishes on seagrass epiphyte load. Journal of Fish Biology, 89 (3), 1905-1912. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13096

Quantifying the influence of small omnivorous fishes on seagrass epiphyte load

2016

Journal Article

Seascape context and predators override water quality effects on inshore coral reef fish communities

Gilby, Ben L., Tibbetts, Ian R., Olds, Andrew D., Maxwell, Paul S. and Stevens, Tim (2016). Seascape context and predators override water quality effects on inshore coral reef fish communities. Coral Reefs, 35 (3), 979-990. doi: 10.1007/s00338-016-1449-5

Seascape context and predators override water quality effects on inshore coral reef fish communities

2016

Journal Article

Effect of angling intensity on feeding behaviour and community structure of subtropical reef-associated fishes

Colefax, Andrew P., Haywood, Michael D. E. and Tibbetts, Ian R. (2016). Effect of angling intensity on feeding behaviour and community structure of subtropical reef-associated fishes. Marine Biology, 163 (4) 85, 85.1-85.14. doi: 10.1007/s00227-016-2857-3

Effect of angling intensity on feeding behaviour and community structure of subtropical reef-associated fishes

2016

Journal Article

Ballistic Beloniformes attacking through Snell's Window

Day, R. D., Mueller, F., Carseldine, L., Meyers-Cherry, N. and Tibbetts, I. R. (2016). Ballistic Beloniformes attacking through Snell's Window. Journal of Fish Biology, 88 (2), 727-734. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12799

Ballistic Beloniformes attacking through Snell's Window

2015

Journal Article

Ultrastructure of the ampullary organs of Plicofollis argyropleuron (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

Whitehead, Darryl L., Gauthier, Arnault R. G., Cameron, Rochae M. E., Perutz, Marion and Tibbetts, Ian R. (2015). Ultrastructure of the ampullary organs of Plicofollis argyropleuron (Siluriformes: Ariidae). Journal of Morphology, 276 (12), 1405-1411. doi: 10.1002/jmor.20428

Ultrastructure of the ampullary organs of Plicofollis argyropleuron (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

2015

Journal Article

Age and growth of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier off the east coast of Australia

Holmes, B. J., Peddemors, V. M., Gutteridge, A. N., Geraghty, P. T., Chan, R. W. K., Tibbetts, I. R. and Bennett, M. B. (2015). Age and growth of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier off the east coast of Australia. Journal of Fish Biology, 87 (2), 422-448. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12732

Age and growth of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier off the east coast of Australia

2015

Journal Article

Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds

Gilby. B. L., Mari, R. A., Bell, E. G., Crawford, E. W., Jun, D., Lederer, B. I., Tibbetts, I. R. and Burfeind, D. D. (2015). Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 98 (9), 2021-2029. doi: 10.1007/s10641-015-0424-2

Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds

2015

Journal Article

Bottom-up factors for algal productivity outweigh no-fishing marine protected area effects in a marginal coral reef system

Gilby, Ben L., Maxwell, Paul S., Tibbetts, Ian R. and Stevens, Tim (2015). Bottom-up factors for algal productivity outweigh no-fishing marine protected area effects in a marginal coral reef system. Ecosystems, 18 (6), 1056-1069. doi: 10.1007/s10021-015-9883-8

Bottom-up factors for algal productivity outweigh no-fishing marine protected area effects in a marginal coral reef system

2015

Journal Article

Morphology of the teleost ampullary organs in marine salmontail catfish Neoarius graeffei (Pisces: Ariidae) with comparative analysis to freshwater and estuarine conspecifics

Gauthier, Arnault R., Whitehead, Darryl L., Bennett, Michael B. and Tibbetts, Ian R. (2015). Morphology of the teleost ampullary organs in marine salmontail catfish Neoarius graeffei (Pisces: Ariidae) with comparative analysis to freshwater and estuarine conspecifics. Journal of Morphology, 276 (9), 1047-1054. doi: 10.1002/jmor.20396

Morphology of the teleost ampullary organs in marine salmontail catfish Neoarius graeffei (Pisces: Ariidae) with comparative analysis to freshwater and estuarine conspecifics

2015

Journal Article

Spatial and temporal variation of meiofauna community structure in soft-sediment pools around Moreton Bay, Australia

Chargulaf, Craig A. and Tibbetts, Ian R. (2015). Spatial and temporal variation of meiofauna community structure in soft-sediment pools around Moreton Bay, Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 63 (3), 204-213. doi: 10.1071/ZO14063

Spatial and temporal variation of meiofauna community structure in soft-sediment pools around Moreton Bay, Australia

Current funding

  • 2021 - 2025
    Biology, ecology and population structure of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    UQ x WWF Turtle Cooling Project Field Work
    World Wide Fund for Nature Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Developing frameworks for scaling sustainable community based conservation in Solomon Islands (Placeholder Record)
    MacArthur Foundation (John & Catherine MacArthur)
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Implementation of novel conservation partnerships in Solomon Islands
    MacArthur Foundation (John & Catherine MacArthur)
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Seahorses and pipefish lose critical seagrass habitat to killer algae
    Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Recovery of habitat and ecosystem services following the installation of Environmentally Friendly Moorings
    SEQ Catchments Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Strengthening Emerging Frameworks for Conservation Across Melanesian Island Arcs
    MacArthur Foundation (John & Catherine MacArthur)
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Using biodiesel cleanup agents to reduce impacts on mangroves and tidal wetland ecosystems from oils (ARC Linkage Project Administered by James Cook University)
    James Cook University
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Population genomics to predict conservation effects of marine reserves: an example from SE Queensland
    Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation Inc
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Using biodiesel cleanup agents to reduce impacts on mangroves and tidal wetland ecosystems from oils spills
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Development of Electrofishing method targeting juvenile lungfish
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Trophic linkages in the Wivenhoe Dam (Modification - Purse Seine)
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Life History, Demographics and Recruitment of the Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) in South East Queensland
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Assessment of littoral fish community recruitment patterns in Wivenhoe Dam in response to variable water levels
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Assessment of pelagic fish community recruitment patterns in Wivenhoe Dam
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    The Potential for Top Predators to Influence the Water Quality of Wivenhoe Lake
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Spawning, recruitment and habitat assessment of Lungfish in SEQ
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Waterborne Exposure of Australian Bass to Ethanol Estradiol
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Health Assessment of Australian Bass and Other Key Biota in SEQ Storages
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    ResTeach 2009 0.2 FTE School of Biological Sciences
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Life history mapping of fish species of concern in Wivenhoe Dam: Part (2) Identification of inchthyoplankton
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Health Assessment of Australian Bass population in Wivenhoe Dam
    South East Queensland Water Corporation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Trophic linkages in the Wivenhoe Dam
    South East Queensland Water Corporation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Developing and field testing community management systems to protect the coral reefs and marine ecosystems of Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands
    MacArthur Foundation (John & Catherine MacArthur)
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Conserving the Marine Biodiversity of Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
    MacArthur Foundation (John & Catherine MacArthur)
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Optimisation of growth in Anguilla australia and Anguilla reinhardtii in support of Australian Aquaculture Industry
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2001
    Biological electric field sensors
    Department Defence - Defence Science & Technology
    Open grant
  • 1998
    The feeding, growth and reproduction of the labrid fish, Choerodon venustus (De Vis)
    Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Obligatory benthic micro-carnivory in post-larval whiting: Sillago ciliata and S. maculate meiobenthic interactions
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology of Sailfish in the Indo-Pacific

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Proximate factors of "Mushy Tuna Syndrome" in Skipjack Tuna and an Amelioration Plan for South Pacific Fishers and Processors.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Simone Blomberg, Dr Matthew Holden, Professor Louw Hoffman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia (a study case between MPA and non-MPA)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Simone Blomberg, Professor Peter Mumby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Citizen science plays a key role in resolving the global population structure of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and predicting environmental influences of its catch distribution in Australian waters

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Assessing the biology and connectivity of deep-water finfish on Australia's east coast and impacts on fleet dynamics

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Benjamin Mos

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of alternative commercial fishing gear, methods and technology

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Sex ratios of sea turtle hatchlings and breeding turtles in a warming climate

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Proximate factors of "Mushy Tuna Syndrome" in Skipjack Tuna and an Amelioration Plan for South Pacific Fishers and Processors.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Simone Blomberg, Dr Matthew Holden, Professor Louw Hoffman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Assessing the biology and connectivity of deep-water finfish on Australia's east coast and impacts on fleet dynamics

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Benjamin Mos

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Citizen science plays a key role in resolving the global population structure of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and predicting environmental influences of its catch distribution in Australian waters

    Principal Advisor

  • Master Philosophy

    Incorporating realistic fisheries into the design of Marine Protected Areas

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Mumby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    How First Nation knowledge is honoured in understanding ocean care for the future of fisheries

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Marnee Shay

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts directly for media enquiries about:

  • Coral reef ecology
  • Fish - sediment and rocky shore pools
  • Fish biology
  • Fishes - herbivorous
  • Fishes - impoundement
  • Fishes - riverine
  • Fishes - stomachless
  • Flyingfish
  • Garfish
  • Longtom - fish
  • Moreton Bay - marine life
  • Reef ecology
  • Reef systems - grazing
  • Rock pools - fish
  • Sauries - fish
  • Solomon Islands - marine life
  • Stomachless fishes

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