Other Common Names:

Kern River Trout, Mountain Trout, Goldie

State Record:

9 pounds 8 ounces

Identifying Features:

Golden trout have brilliant gold sides with a red horizontal band and 10 dark oval marks called "parr marks." Their fins have white edges.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 14 inches
Weight: Up to 1 pound in streams (up to 11 pounds in lakes)
Life span: Up to 7 years

Habitat:

Golden trout inhabit cold mountain lakes and streams at altitudes above 6,000 feet. They have been stocked at lower elevations with moderate success. The preferred water temperature is 58-62 °F.

Feeding Behavior:

Golden trout feed on insects, especially caddis flies and midges, and also eat small crustaceans.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Early to mid summer
Preferred Water Temperature: 48-52 °F
How: The female digs several redds (depressions) at the tail of a pool and deposits eggs. Adults abandon the nest.

Did You Know:

The brilliant colors of the golden trout disappear if they are stocked at altitudes lower than 6,000 feet.

Unlike other trout, the golden trout's parr marks persist throughout their adult life.

Other Common Names:

Orange-colored Sunfish

State Record:

There is no state record for Garibaldi. Garibaldi are completely protected by law in California and cannot be fished.

Identifying Features:

Garibaldi have a brilliant orange body with large body scales and a deeply forked tail fin. Juveniles have bright iridescent blue spots on their body.

Typical Adult:

Length: Up to 14 inches
Weight: Unknown
Life span: Up to 17 or more years

Habitat:

Garibaldi inhabit swirling waters along rocky reefs in the Pacific Ocean, off the California coast from Monterey Bay to Baja.

Feeding Behavior:

Garibaldi eat sponges, small anemones, and occasionally worms and crabs.

Reproductive Behavior (Spawning):

When: Spring or summer
Preferred Water Temperature: 59 °F
How: The male builds a 1-1/2 foot nest on a reef, clearing away all the growth except for red algae. The male defends the nest against intruders, and when the female swims by, the male entices her through clicking sounds and dashing to and from the nest. After the female lays the eggs, she leaves while the male spends 2-3 weeks guarding the nest.

Did You Know:

Garibaldi can live in ocean depths of up to 95 feet.

Garibaldi are extremely territorial and defend their homes and nests through aggression rather than camouflage.