Where is the animal to be found?
It lives at depths of between 0 and 30 m in the waters off the Californian coast. It can be found living on rocky bottoms or in crevices, as well as in kelp forests.
How can it be recognised?
The Garibaldi has an orange, rather oval body. Juveniles have blue spots on their body and on the edges of their fins. This blue colour disappears with adulthood.
What is distinctive about it?
The Garibaldi damselfish is highly territorial and aggressive towards intruders entering its territory. During the breeding season, the male guarding the eggs will attack any living creature, even one much larger than himself, that comes too close to his nest.
Threats and conservation
This species is fully protected in California and may be present in certain protected marine areas in Mexico and the United States.
