Garibaldi (fish) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garibaldi (fish) |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hypsypops
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| Species: |
rubicundus
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| Synonyms | |
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Glyphisodon rubicundus Girard, 1854 |
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The Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is a bright orange fish that belongs to the damselfish family. People sometimes call it the Garibaldi damselfish. It lives in the warm, northern parts of the Pacific Ocean.
The name Garibaldi comes from an Italian family name. It refers to Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was a famous Italian general and political leader. His followers often wore bright red shirts, just like the fish's color! Like all damselfish, male Garibaldis are very protective of their nests after the female lays her eggs.
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About the Garibaldi Fish
Adult Garibaldi fish are a striking orange color. They are the biggest members of the damselfish family. These fish can grow up to about 38 centimeters (15 inches) long.
Young Garibaldi fish look a bit different. They are more reddish and have many small, shiny blue spots. As they grow into adults, they lose these spots. Adult Garibaldis also have a tail and a top fin that are not as clear. The Garibaldi is the official marine state fish of California. This means it is protected in the waters along California's coast.
Where Garibaldis Live
Garibaldis live in water up to about 30 meters (100 feet) deep. They usually live near rocky reefs and over rocky sea bottoms.
This fish is found in the subtropical parts of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Their home range stretches from Monterey Bay, California, all the way down to Guadalupe Island, Baja California.
Garibaldi Behavior and Reproduction
Garibaldis mostly eat small invertebrates, which are creatures without backbones. They pick these foods off rocks. Like most damselfish, adult Garibaldis have a special area they call home, known as a territory.
The male Garibaldi cleans a safe spot within his territory to make a nest. The female then lays her eggs in this nest. The male fish guards the nest until the eggs hatch, which takes about 19 to 21 days. While the eggs are growing, the male Garibaldi bravely keeps other fish away from them. He will even attack much larger creatures, including humans, to protect his eggs! He might even bite divers to make them leave the nesting area.
Garibaldis in Aquariums
When they are young, Garibaldi fish are usually peaceful in an aquarium. However, as they get a little bigger, they start to show their territorial side. They will try to claim their space and might compete with other smaller, calmer fish for territory.
Images for kids
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A Garibaldi swimming near Catalina Island.
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A close-up of an adult Garibaldi fish.
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Another view of a Garibaldi's face.
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A young Garibaldi fish with blue spots.
See also
In Spanish: Hypsypops rubicundus para niños
