Not only are the kelp forests protection for the garibaldi, they are also a source of food.
This fish is named after a 19th century Italian leader, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Why? Garibaldi took up a fashion for wearing orange/red shirts. Later this orange/red shirt became his army’s uniform. This vibrant colored fish was photographed at Catalina Island off the coast of California. As a diver, these fish are hard to miss against the dark background of the kelp forest. They tend to be approachable, and sometimes curious. In some cases, if you encroach on their nesting area, they can become aggressive. In this case, I was calmly hovering in the water column, not moving. The garibaldi swam right up to me to take a look, out of curiosity. I was looking back at it with the same curiosity.
Not only are the kelp forests protection for the garibaldi, they are also a source of food. As a juvenile fish, they have vibrant blue spots that eventually fade and disappear with age. The garibaldi will grow to ~15 inches in length. What do they eat? Garibaldi will eat the sponge and algal growth around its territory. Garibaldi are very aware of their boundaries, and can become aggressive if others invade their territory. They are known to remove sea urchins and starfish from their territory. They are even territorial when it comes to mating. After a male garibaldi attracts a mate to his nest and she lays eggs, the male will chase the female off. He will then fertilize the eggs and defend the area fiercely. Males aren’t the only territorial ones; the female garibaldi will eat other female’s eggs.
Garibaldi are unique to the California coast. They are primarily found from Baja California to Monterey Bay. Unfortunately, because of their beauty, garibaldi are highly desired aquarium fish. Fortunately, garibaldi are protected. It is illegal to fish for them as food. It is also illegal to collect them without a permit.
Garibaldi are unique to the California coast
Did You Know?
- The garibaldi is a type of damselfish! In fact, it is the largest member of the damselfish family.
- Some theorize that the garibaldi’s wild orange/red color comes from eating sponges.
- This fish also goes by “Catalina goldfish” and “marine goldfish”.
- California’s marine state fish is the Garibaldi!
Photo Tip
- Use their curiosity to draw them in to you, rather than approach them.
- Use a strobe or light to get their bright orange color to pop.
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