Black goby
Gobius niger
Special features
During the mating season, the male turns almost completely black. Only his dorsal fins fade.
Both dorsal fins have a black spot on the front.
Appearance
The black gown is oblong, with a broad head and a round body diameter. The two dorsal fins are separated and remarkably long, just like all other fins.
The eyes are spherical on the flat head over very wide gill covers that look like fat cheeks.
This gown is the darkest colored gown in the Mediterranean, namely dark brown with black spots.
Natural enemies
Predatory fish
Dangerous/Venomous
Black gown is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Separate, long dorsal fins
2. Thick lips
3. Globular eyes
4. Very wide gill covers
Pro tips
The Black goby likes to live near the shore and sometimes swim in fresh water.
She moves like a little dragon close above the ground, sometimes even lying still on the sand looking for small animals that she can eat.
The courtship males of Black gobies build a nest in a shallow area, and when a female is satisfied with his work, she lays her eggs in there.
The father then nurtures the eggs until they hatch.
Text: Carolina Leiter, Felician Hosp, Pia Balaka
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Dive Dict
