Garibaldi, state fish of California

[RussM]

It is in a shark tank that runs at about 70 degrees.

Cool. BTW, I wasn't questioning your care of the fish specifically - it was more of a generalized question about the species.

[jkennedy1007]

thought they were illegal to keep

so cool man!!!

they chase my girlfriend around when we snorkel

[specvjeff]

As long as you have paperwork that shows it was collected in Mexico you're fine.

Jeff Saurwein
SDMAS President
SDReefs Moderator
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[Duke4130]

You need to have a permit to own one in the state of California. Doesn't matter where it was caught. This is from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Website

Conservation

Garibaldis have a restricted range—they're found from Baja California to Monterey Bay and nowhere else in the world. Within that range their populations are stable. They are especially numerous in Southern California's warm waters and much less common around Monterey.

Because of their appealing looks and bright colors, garibaldis are popular aquarium fish, but it's illegal in California to collect them or keep them without a permit. The garibaldi is the state marine fish of California.

[cutterx23]

It is illegal to go to the beach, fish, catch one and keep it, UNLESS YOU HAVE A PERMIT FROM CALIFORNIA. It is not illegal to purchase them from somebody who has a permit. This is what drives the cost of these fish that are very numerous up in price, expensive permit.

[paulyboy18]

UNLESS YOU HAVE A PERMIT FROM CALIFORNIA. It is not illegal to purchase them from somebody who has a permit. This is what drives the cost of these fish that are very numerous up in price, expensive permit.

So, how do YOU PROVE that the person/store you bought it from has a permit? Basically, I can go catch one and then just say I bought it from someone with a permit? Sorry, but I don't think that works... especially in this state (but I could be wrong). I'm not saying this to be mean or anything, nor do I have ANY problems with you or anyone else keeping this awesome fish. I actually can't wait to see it someday!

[specvjeff]

When the fish ship in from Mexico, they must arrive with CITES paperwork that shows they were collected in Mexico. This is checked by customs and occasionally checked/enforced by US Fish and Wildlife. Once the fish is verified to have been collected legally, they can continue on their way to the wholesaler where they can be purchased by a local fish store.

[jasonp87]

I think the question is does the final owner of the fish need to keep paperwork on it to prove where it was collected?

[davocean]

Good to know the rules on keeping and collection, I was curious how this goes as well.
I've always wanted a baby garibaldi, the colors are insane, but the collection issue and cool water make it not practical for me.
Nice score!
You are the only private party I know of that has one.(legally)

[woogiekids]

I have a one as well, from wholesale(Cortez). He's a baby (very small).

[davocean]

I have a one as well, from wholesale(Cortez). He's a baby (very small).

Well I'm sure of all people YOU must have some nice pics of that juvy, link to thread?

[Duke4130]

I think the question is does the final owner of the fish need to keep paperwork on it to prove where it was collected?

It's the state fish and it says that if you live in California and want to own one, you must have a permit from California department of fish and game. If you have a garibaldi and don't have the permit then it is illegal to have in your possession...

[Duke4130]

So, how do YOU PROVE that the person/store you bought it from has a permit? Basically, I can go catch one and then just say I bought it from someone with a permit? Sorry, but I don't think that works... especially in this state (but I could be wrong). I'm not saying this to be mean or anything, nor do I have ANY problems with you or anyone else keeping this awesome fish. I actually can't wait to see it someday!

Scripps Aquarium has a ton of them being that they are native to our coastal waters

[DOLPHY619]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...21&pcatid=1421

[Duke4130]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...21&pcatid=1421

I saw that too.... I am curious to see how they can sell it in California. There has to be some kind of paper work saying that it is captive bred...