Kelp Forest
Damselfish
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Garibaldi Damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus)
Pro
Pro
Description
California’s state marine fish, the Garibaldi is known for its vivid orange coloration and territorial personality. Native to temperate rocky reefs of the Eastern Pacific, it thrives in cool, oxygen-rich marine setups and serves as a bold centerpiece species.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Garibaldi Damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a large, cool saltwater tank with strong aeration and rockwork for shelter. Can be aggressive toward tankmates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are protected in California waters. Most aquarium specimens are responsibly sourced or captive-bred.
Origin
Found along the Pacific coast of North America, especially from Southern California to Baja California, often dwelling in rocky reef habitats at shallow depths.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Bright, saturated orange body with a robust oval shape and firm dorsal ridge. Juveniles feature iridescent blue spots that fade with maturity. Known for being bold, observant, and extremely territorial.
Purpose
Provides strong visual contrast and dynamic behavior. Acts as a territorial anchor species in cool reef tanks or temperate marine systems.
Importance
A symbolic species along the Pacific U.S. coast, the Garibaldi is protected in the wild and admired for its hardiness and dramatic visual presence. It’s one of few saltwater species that thrive in cooler conditions.
Included Resources
Requires chilled marine setups (64–72°F), live rock for shelter, and moderate to strong water movement. Protein skimming and strong biofiltration are essential for long-term care.
Best Use Cases
Temperate marine aquariums, kelp- or reef-inspired aquascapes, and educational displays. Not recommended for typical tropical reef tanks due to temperature mismatch.
Conservation Context
Protected from collection in California since 1995. Ethical sourcing and captive-breeding support reef conservation efforts and public awareness of native marine life.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina gobies
• Coldwater blennies
• Coldwater snails and anemones
• Avoid tropical reef fish and delicate invertebrates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 33.7489° N
• Longitude: -118.4098° W
(Palos Verdes Peninsula, California — rocky reef zone)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.8667° N
• Longitude: -116.6167° W
(Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California — coastal outcrops)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Garibaldi Damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a large, cool saltwater tank with strong aeration and rockwork for shelter. Can be aggressive toward tankmates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are protected in California waters. Most aquarium specimens are responsibly sourced or captive-bred.
Origin
Found along the Pacific coast of North America, especially from Southern California to Baja California, often dwelling in rocky reef habitats at shallow depths.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Bright, saturated orange body with a robust oval shape and firm dorsal ridge. Juveniles feature iridescent blue spots that fade with maturity. Known for being bold, observant, and extremely territorial.
Purpose
Provides strong visual contrast and dynamic behavior. Acts as a territorial anchor species in cool reef tanks or temperate marine systems.
Importance
A symbolic species along the Pacific U.S. coast, the Garibaldi is protected in the wild and admired for its hardiness and dramatic visual presence. It’s one of few saltwater species that thrive in cooler conditions.
Included Resources
Requires chilled marine setups (64–72°F), live rock for shelter, and moderate to strong water movement. Protein skimming and strong biofiltration are essential for long-term care.
Best Use Cases
Temperate marine aquariums, kelp- or reef-inspired aquascapes, and educational displays. Not recommended for typical tropical reef tanks due to temperature mismatch.
Conservation Context
Protected from collection in California since 1995. Ethical sourcing and captive-breeding support reef conservation efforts and public awareness of native marine life.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina gobies
• Coldwater blennies
• Coldwater snails and anemones
• Avoid tropical reef fish and delicate invertebrates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 33.7489° N
• Longitude: -118.4098° W
(Palos Verdes Peninsula, California — rocky reef zone)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.8667° N
• Longitude: -116.6167° W
(Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California — coastal outcrops)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Garibaldi Damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a large, cool saltwater tank with strong aeration and rockwork for shelter. Can be aggressive toward tankmates.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild populations are protected in California waters. Most aquarium specimens are responsibly sourced or captive-bred.
Origin
Found along the Pacific coast of North America, especially from Southern California to Baja California, often dwelling in rocky reef habitats at shallow depths.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Bright, saturated orange body with a robust oval shape and firm dorsal ridge. Juveniles feature iridescent blue spots that fade with maturity. Known for being bold, observant, and extremely territorial.
Purpose
Provides strong visual contrast and dynamic behavior. Acts as a territorial anchor species in cool reef tanks or temperate marine systems.
Importance
A symbolic species along the Pacific U.S. coast, the Garibaldi is protected in the wild and admired for its hardiness and dramatic visual presence. It’s one of few saltwater species that thrive in cooler conditions.
Included Resources
Requires chilled marine setups (64–72°F), live rock for shelter, and moderate to strong water movement. Protein skimming and strong biofiltration are essential for long-term care.
Best Use Cases
Temperate marine aquariums, kelp- or reef-inspired aquascapes, and educational displays. Not recommended for typical tropical reef tanks due to temperature mismatch.
Conservation Context
Protected from collection in California since 1995. Ethical sourcing and captive-breeding support reef conservation efforts and public awareness of native marine life.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Catalina gobies
• Coldwater blennies
• Coldwater snails and anemones
• Avoid tropical reef fish and delicate invertebrates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 33.7489° N
• Longitude: -118.4098° W
(Palos Verdes Peninsula, California — rocky reef zone)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 31.8667° N
• Longitude: -116.6167° W
(Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California — coastal outcrops)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Garibaldi Damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus)
Region
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