Garibaldi Damsel

The Garibaldi Damsel is the largest member of the damselfish family found in the Eastern Pacific and holds the distinction of being the official state marine fish of California. Adults are a stunning, uniform bright orange that makes them instantly recognizable on the rocky reefs of Southern California and Baja California. Juveniles are even more visually striking, displaying electric blue spots scattered across their orange body, a coloration that gradually fades as the fish matures to its full adult size of approximately 12 inches.

Unlike the vast majority of damselfish species that inhabit tropical coral reefs, the Garibaldi is a temperate-water species found in the cool kelp forests and rocky reefs off the Pacific coast of North America. Water temperatures in its natural habitat range from 58 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly cooler than the tropical conditions maintained in most marine aquariums. This makes the Garibaldi a unique challenge for aquarists, as it requires a chiller or naturally cool environment rather than a standard heater.

The Garibaldi is a highly territorial fish, with males vigorously defending nesting sites that they cultivate by tending patches of red algae. In aquarium settings, this territorial nature is amplified, and the fish will aggressively defend its space against all comers. Combined with its large adult size, cooler water requirements, and protected status in California waters where collection is illegal, the Garibaldi is best suited for experienced aquarists with large, dedicated temperate marine systems. Where legally available, captive-bred or legally collected specimens can make spectacular display animals.