Southern California's temperate kelp forests are not ideal habitat for the generally subtropical and tropical damsel fish family. However, its waters are home to two species with very different lifestyles and ecological roles. This DVD includes three 22-minute episodes.

The garibaldi, California's state salt water fish, is symbolic of giant kelp forests in the southern part of the state. This highly territorial fish exhibits a wide range of interesting behavior, including its courtship and mating rituals. The first episode covers this species' classification, habitat preferences, geographic distribution and ecology. The second episode details their courtship and mating as well their development.

The blacksmith is a gregarious species that swims in huge schools and feeds mostly on plankton. This episode looks at their taxonomy, ecological preferences, reproduction and natural history. Due to their large numbers, they play a significant role in kelp forest communities in terms of energy and nutrient cycling.

This DVD is $25. Postage via first class mail is $2.50. Other options include USPS Priority Mail. State sales tax of $2.56 (10.25%) is required if shipped to a California address. My DVDs may be ordered on-line using PAYPAL with payments made to my account, bushing@post.harvard.edu. Be sure to include shipping and California state sales tax (if applicable), your mailing address and the name of the specific DVD or DVDs you are ordering. Payments made via credit or debit card on Paypal are subject to an additional charge of $2.00 due to Paypal fees.You may also send a personal check to Dr. Bill Bushing, P. O. Box 849, Avalon, CA 90704.

Note: these videos are produced on DVD-R media which is playable on most home DVD players. Verify that your player can play this format before purchase.

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This web page last updated September 29, 2010

This document maintained by Dr. Bill Bushing.
Material © 2008 Star Thrower Educational Multimedia