They have been stocked at lower elevations with moderate success. Golden trout feed on insects, especially caddis flies and midges, and also eat small crustaceans. Adults abandon the nest. Unlike other trout, the golden trout's parr marks persist throughout their adult life. Garibaldi are completely protected by law in California and cannot be fished.
Juveniles have bright iridescent blue spots on their body.
Garibaldi inhabit swirling waters along rocky reefs in the Pacific Ocean, off the California coast from Monterey Bay to Baja. 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. Garibaldi are extremely territorial and defend their homes and nests through aggression rather than camouflage.