Can you find a Garibaldi around Monterey?

[Wristshot]

I saw literally hundreds on two dives in Catalina, but I have never seen one in the Monterey area (in the wild). In fact I saw at least a dozen from the ferry pier at Catalina!

Wristshot

 

[Driznik]

Thanks everybody. I figured that was probably going to be the answer, but can't hurt to ask.

I'm hoping to get down to San Diego late winter - hopefully I'll get a chance to swim with them then

D

 

[drbill]

Actually Monterey Bay is considered the northernmost range for this damsel species which extends down into Baja as well. They are most abundant south of Pt. Conception, but are reported from there north to M.B. My guess is that many of the sightings that far north may be during El Nino events.

Personally I'd be happy to send many of our Catalina individuals up there if you guys want them. They are a major pest to videographers and still imagers since they often interject themselves into the field of view just as you're pressing your shutter or record button. And they also like to eat my subjects if I'm not careful to protect them.

For those of you who weren't aware, garibaldi taste very similar to bald eagle, spotted owl and black sea bass. Just kidding.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Actually Monterey Bay is considered the northernmost range for this damsel species which extends down into Baja as well. They are most abundant south of Pt. Conception, but are reported from there north to M.B. My guess is that many of the sightings that far north may be during El Nino events.

Personally I'd be happy to send many of our Catalina individuals up there if you guys want them. They are a major pest to videographers and still imagers since they often interject themselves into the field of view just as you're pressing your shutter or record button. And they also like to eat my subjects if I'm not careful to protect them.

For those of you who weren't aware, garibaldi taste very similar to bald eagle, spotted owl and black sea bass. Just kidding.

I don't know of a single reliable Garibaldi sighting north of Pt. Sur. There was one fellow
on ba_diving who said he'd seen one regularly, but he's not much of a naturalist and
there are a fair number of vermillions at that spot.

And the now defunct (THANK GOD) amphibious busses had one painted on the side, which was
just one more reason for derision.

 

[dannobee]

And the now defunct (THANK GOD) amphibious busses had one painted on the side, which was
just one more reason for derision.

I forgot all about those hideous things! I was just glad I didn't see divers piling on them, headed out to the mating amtracks or something.

 

[drbill]

Dr. Milton Love reported Monterey Bay as the northernmost end of their distribution. If he accepted the reported sighting(s), I'd be willing to as well. Keep in mind that our short spans on this Earth may not be long enough to integrate all the data over time. According to my library research the brittle star Ophiopsilla californica is only reported from central California yet I have seen it at several locations around Catalina (generally deeper colder ones).

 

[Jim Kerr]

A garibaldi is one of our two lovely state fishes.

What's the other one?

 

[WileEDiver]

What's the other one?

The Golden Trout. The trout is the state freshwater fish and the garibaldi is the state marine fish (Semper Fish?).

 

[BrianM]

...They are a major pest to videographers and still imagers since they often interject themselves into the field of view just as you're pressing your shutter or record button.

Or pulling the trigger on the speargun!! I have had a few 'baldies swim right in front of my spear tip as I was lining up on dinner. I would bet they taste like chicken!!

 

[Jorbar1551]

Never seen a girabaldi in the monterey bay, but i saw a huge sheephead about 1/2 mile northwest of the aquarium.

Jordan