Garibaldi - legality

[oredith]

my interest was peaked the other day when Wally posted the baby garibaldi for sale, originally because i didn't think they'd survive in our warm water tanks.

Later, however, I mentioned the fish to Ashley, who LOVES garibaldis, she was adamant that it's illegal to have them since they're protected in CA.

then yesterday, I stopped off at Tong's while waiting for my friend to carpool to a wedding rehearsal - they had THREE garibaldis, one of which was pretty much full size.

I asked one of the guys, and he told me that a couple times a year, they can get license to import them?

the guy didn't really sound sure of himself when he was telling me this.

anyone know the real story on the legality of owning / selling garibaldis in CA?

 

[LAreefguy]

I was under the impression they are legal. However they are really mean fish like the worst.

 

[socal619]

This came up on my local forum, as long as its not collected in CA its legal, they have to be imported from Mexico.

 

[socal619]

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?109435-Garibaldi-state-fish-of-California/page2

 

[pgr11]

This came up on my local forum, as long as its not collected in CA its legal, they have to be imported from Mexico.

My understanding also

 

[newtothis]

If you head to corona del mar/Newport bay entrance you can actually see them swimming around. They are defiantely protected of Ca and Catalina waters and highly illegal to catch.. They are highly aggressive both to other fish and human...

 

[djam]

I believe the fine is about 5k if you kill one, I imagine capturing one is about the same. They are mean, like they will attack you if you get too close.

 

[enjetek]

very cool fish and yes legal if not collected in ca waters. keep those suckers in cooler tanks!!!

 

[lurking]

They look nice when small with the blue spots but then when it becomes an adult looks like a goldfish to me lol

 

[JDEllis]

This came up on my local forum, as long as its not collected in CA its legal, they have to be imported from Mexico.

++++1

 

[Jerry Williams]

They are of no danger to humans! I have had them come right up to my mask to check me out. They are like a curious dog. They follow divers to see what is going on. That is why they are protected. They have no fear of humans. You can reach out and touch them. They don't leave their territory for life.


Sent from my Kodak Brownie

 

[Six2seven]

Looks like a goldfish to me

 

[oredith]

Looks like a goldfish to me

yes, but apparently a MEAN goldfish.

maybe that's why Ashley likes it.. >_>

 

[DGAR]

He sure is bright. Eats anything you throw at him.

 

[sharkbait]

He sure is bright. Eats anything you throw at him.

Cool is he going in a reef or fowlr

 

[DGAR]

In my reef tank. But he is a little to small to throw in there right now. He is currently chilling in a breeder box inside the tank. I don't want him to get beat up or eaten by another fish. He is really tiny.