Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus)

So I couldn't resist...I've decided to do an early post (don't worry, I will also post on Sunday with a new creature).

Our creature this mid-week is the Garibaldi fish, also known as the Garibaldi Damsel Fish! The Garibaldi is only found in the waters off Montery Bay down toward Baja California, and no where else in the world! It's status is shown as "least concern," which is a good thing!

The Garibaldi is a stocky fish with flowing fins and bright orange color. It tends to live in the kelp forests off the California coast. The fish as a mutual relationship with the kelp. Part of the Garibaldi's diet are worms that feed on and destroy the kelp forests. This fish is extremely territorial and will defend it's home against other fish, and occassionaly diver's who happen to get too close to it's nest.

In 1971, the California Department of Fish and Game recommended that the fish be protected, but due to the fact that these fish were not threatened and did not pass for sometime. Only when the fish started to be exploited for aquariums/pet stores did the bill pass in 1993. Two years later in 1995, the fish would be made the official marine fish for the state of California.

These fish can easily be seen off of Catalina Island and the Channel Islands off of Southern California. They are easily seen due to their bright color contrasting off the "muted" surroundings. I have snorkled off of Catalina and these fish are so beautiful to see. Sometimes divers will bring fish food and they will swarm the diver with other local fish for a quick and easy meal! If you are ever in California, I would certainly make sure to plan a snorkle trip off of the island(s) to see these beautiful fish. If you are not comfortable swimming in the ocean, most places offer submarine rides so you get a nice clear view of the beautiful under water world!

Fun Fact: The Garibaldi is named after Italian Revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was known for wearing a red/orange jacket.

For a video of this animal, click the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQFCQCtZrJA&feature=related