Species profile
Garibaldi
Hypsypops rubicundus
At a glance
Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 3,342 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- California's official state marine fish, protected by law — it is illegal to take one.
- Juveniles are bright orange with striking iridescent blue spots that gradually disappear with age.
- Can live more than 25 years in the wild.
- Males prepare and fiercely defend nest patches, charging divers who venture too close.
- Typically reaches about 14–15 inches in length at adulthood.
Where Garibaldi are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Garibaldi
Background
The Garibaldi or Garibaldi damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus) is a species of bright orange fish in the damselfish family. Garibaldis occur in the subtropical northeastern part of the Pacific Ocean. The common name is a reference to the Italian military and political figure Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose followers often wore a characteristic scarlet or red shirt. As is the case in all damselfish, male…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Garibaldi article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.