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Garibaldi

California State Marine Fish

Garibaldi; photo taken at San Diego Seaworld by Harry Foundalis; Garibaldi - Hypsypops rubicundus: Indiana State U (all rights reserved; used by permission). 

Official State Marine Fish of California

California designated garibaldi as the official state marine fish in 1995 (California recognizes golden trout as the state freshwater fish, adopted in 1947). All State Fish

The garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is the largest of the damselfish family (Pomacentridae). Found in shallow waters off the coast of southern California and Mexico, the garibaldi is a golden-orange fish typically 14 inches in length as an adult. 

When disturbed, garibaldi emit a thumping sound which can be heard by divers! Garibaldi males build the nests; the female enters several of them and then makes her decision. The garibaldi is one of the few fish to use the same nesting site every year.

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