Black Goby

Gobius niger

Size: 10-18 cm.
Lifespan: Up to 5 years.
Food: Crustaceans, mussels, snails and worms.

Digs down into the seabed

This fish lives mainly in shallow seawater along the coastline, and because it tolerates low salinity it is often found near the mouths of rivers. It prefers soft seabeds where it can dig down and lie in wait for prey. 

Photo: Roberto-Pillon-CC-BY-NC-SA

The males turn dark

The black goby is named so because the males become dark, almost black, during the spawning season. The females can lay up to 6,000 eggs in a single spawning. After the eggs are laid, the male guards them until the fry hatch. 

Distribution in Sweden

Lives along the
entire west coast
and in the Baltic Sea
up to Åland. 

White marking = Distribution

Threat based on the Red List

Trade regulations

CITES: Not listed.