On June 22, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (CMA) staff observed the first garibaldi eggs of the season in a nest located on the outer beach near the Aquarium.  The nest has been continuously observed since 1999.

About a hundred of the almost 40,000 eggs were removed from the nest for incubation in the CMA Aquatic Nursery where CMA researchers will document their development.  The eggs should be ready to hatch in about twelve days if the water temperature stays at the current temperature of 62+ degrees Fahrenheit.  After hatching, another small sample will be collected to be raised in the Aquatic Nursery.  In previous years, CMA staff and volunteers have raised dozens of baby garibaldi and shared them with Aquariums all over the U.S.

Garibaldi are California's state marine fish and are protected by law.  CMA has special permits from the California Department of Fish and Game to collect samples for research purposes.  To learn more about our state fish, go to our Marine Life page.

And during the summer, visit the Aquarium to check out the progress of the baby garibaldi!