Fin's Fish Guide
The Black goby (Gobius niger) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in estuaries and shallow coastal water.
Description
The black goby is a stout bottom fish of the family Gobiidae reaching about 18 cm. The brownish to dark mottled body turns almost black in breeding males; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc with which the fish clings to the bottom. The first dorsal fin extends into pointed tips in males. The species lives in estuaries, harbours and shallow coastal water of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic and the Mediterranean, often on sand and mud bottoms among seagrass. It hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a shell or stone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black goby?
The Black goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Dark, stocky goby with pelvic fins fused into a sucker; in males the first dorsal fin runs out into pointed tips.
Where does the Black goby live?
The Black goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in estuaries and shallow coastal water.
How big does the Black goby get?
The Black goby grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Black goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Black goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black goby edible?
The Black goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Black goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.