If you have ever peered beneath the surface of the Pacific in southern California, chances are pretty good that you’ve seen a garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus). This brightly colored damselfish is the California state marine fish, and they are seemingly everywhere. From the über-cute juveniles that dart in and out of the shallow reefs to the bold and inquisitive adults, garibaldis are entertaining to observe and make for fantastic photography subjects.

Lately, they have been busy preparing and guarding their nests, which is what prompted me to write this blog. In late spring and early summer, the male garibaldis build their nests, which consist of different types of red algae. After a willing female decides to deposit her eggs on his closely guarded patch on the reef, the eggs will develop for two to three weeks before hatching. If you happen to stray too closely to a nest, you’ll know it. The aggressive males will produce a loud thumping sound that is easily heard, even through a 7mm hood. If that doesn’t entice you to change course, the males will begin to nip at your neoprene, and they seem to favor the tops of hoods. I have been bitten on the tip of an exposed finger (in the process of capturing the photo of the eggs in the gallery above), which produced little more than a muffled “Hey!” through my regulator. I got the shot — but I also got the hint, and I moved on to less hostile subjects.

Set against the backdrop of rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and an array of algae, the ubiquitous garibaldi adds a splash of brilliant color to the dives here in southern California. They are the symbol of the California Pacific, and will be here to greet you during your next visit.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Michael Zeigler has lived in southern California since 1996, and has been scuba diving since 2004. Although he has been diving in many places around the world, he prefers capturing the beauty of the diverse marine life that inhabits the rich kelp forests of southern California. A proud member of the Ocean Artists Society, Michael also teaches underwater photography, leads underwater photo workshops, and is an AAUS Scientific Diver. He shoots with a Nikon D7000, Sea & Sea housing, and Ikelite DS-160 strobes. To see more of his work, visit SeaInFocus.com.