Garibaldi

Description:

One of the brightest colored fishes off the southern California coast. Adults are bright orange and the fish gets its common name, garibaldi, from the 19th century Italian leader by the same name whose famous army wore flashy red/orange colors into battle. Juvenile H. rubicundus are distinctivly colored with iridescent blue colored spots along their pectoral and tail fins as well as their lateral lines. This coloration gradually fades as the young reach full maturity at around six inches.

Habitat:

The Lover's Cove Marine Preserve at Catalina Island is a marine sanctuary protected by the State of California. Lover's Cove is host to clean, clear waters, free of mainland pollution and surf. The cove's undersea gardens harbor dozens of species of fish and invertebrates. Bright orange Garibaldi will eat right out of your hand.