Black goby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black goby |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Gobius |
| Species: |
G. niger
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| Binomial name | |
| Gobius niger Linnaeus, 1758
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| Synonyms | |
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The black goby (Gobius niger) is a type of fish that lives in the ocean. You can find it in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. These fish like to live in places like river mouths, calm lagoons, and shallow waters near the coast. They often hide among seagrass and algae.
Black gobies eat small invertebrates and sometimes even tiny fish. They can grow up to 18 centimetres (7 in) long. Their neck area has scales, and both of their dorsal fins (the fins on their back) have a black spot at the front. Sometimes, you might even see black gobies in aquariums!
Contents
What Does a Black Goby Look Like?
The black goby has a body that is deeper than some other gobies, like the common goby. It also has a rounder snout. Black gobies are usually larger than these other goby species.
Fins and Color
This fish has two dorsal fins that are almost connected. The front dorsal fin has six spines, which might stick out a bit. The back dorsal fin is shorter and has soft rays. This back fin ends close to the tail, unlike some other gobies where there's a big gap. The fins on its belly, called pelvic fins, are joined together.
Black gobies are usually a dark brown color with black spots that are not very clear. When it's time to breed, the male black goby turns almost completely black. His fins also become much brighter and more colorful. On average, these fish are about 5 to 7 cm (2.0 to 2.8 in) long.
Where Do Black Gobies Live?
The black goby lives in shallow waters. Its home stretches from Cape Blanc in Mauritania all the way to Trondheim in Norway, including the Baltic Sea. You can also find them in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Their Favorite Spots
They usually live in water less than 50 metres (160 ft) deep. Black gobies love lagoons, river mouths (estuaries), and coastal waters. They prefer to live on sandy or muddy bottoms, or among seagrass and seaweed. Sometimes, they even swim into fresh water!
How Do Black Gobies Behave?
Black gobies search for and eat small invertebrates that live on the seabed.
Breeding and Nests
They breed during the summer months. When it's breeding season, the male black goby finds a shallow area with lots of plants. He then creates a special territory and cleans a spot on the seabed to make a nest. He then invites a female to check out his nest. If she likes it, she will lay her eggs there. After the eggs are laid, the male goby stays and guards them until they hatch.
 | Precious Adams |
 | Lauren Anderson |
 | Janet Collins |
