Coloration
Bright orange overall coloration.
Garibaldi Damselfish
Hypsypops rubicundus
The Garibaldi is a bright orange damselfish found in the subtropical northeastern Pacific Ocean and is protected in California coastal waters.
GaribaldiCatalina goldfishmarine goldfish
Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 · 2 sources
Photo byStan Shebs
Species Guide
What to know about garibaldi damselfish
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
The Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is a bright orange member of the damselfish family occurring in the subtropical northeastern Pacific Ocean. It has been the official marine state fish of California since 1995 and is protected in California coastal waters from recreational and commercial fishing. As with all damselfish, male Garibaldis aggressively defend the nest site after the female lays eggs.
Protected in California coastal waters from recreational and commercial fishing since being named the state marine fish in 1995.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Playa Del Carmen Mexico and countries such as Mexico for divers building trips around garibaldi damselfish.
Identification
How to identify garibaldi damselfish
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Conservation
What is happening with Garibaldi Damselfish
Status, pressure, and protection context grounded in cited sources rather than filler.
Protected in California coastal waters from recreational and commercial fishing since being named the state marine fish in 1995.
Protections and controls
California state designation
Official marine state fish of California since 1995.
Legal protection in California
Protected in California coastal waters from recreational and commercial fishing.
Responsible Encounters
How to dive with garibaldi damselfish
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Avoid disturbing nest sites; male Garibaldis aggressively defend nests after eggs are laid.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
Field notes
Name origin
The English name references Giuseppe Garibaldi and the scarlet/red shirts worn by his followers.
Top Destinations
Top destinations to see garibaldi damselfish
Destinations surfaced from the linked dive spots associated with this species.
Top Countries
Top countries for garibaldi damselfish
The strongest country-level starting points currently linked to this species.
Top Dive Spots
Top dive spots for garibaldi damselfish
Directly linked dive spots where this species already shows up in the planning data.
Not Set
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.
Research Sources
Garibaldi Damselfish information sources
Primary and credible references behind the field-guide and conservation claims on this page.
Sources 2Last Updated
Garibaldi (fish) · Encyclopedia · Wikipedia
Primary wildlife guide source.
Hypsypops rubicundus · Taxonomy · WoRMS
Taxonomy reference.
Related Species
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Related species guides in the same encounter family.
