Gobius niger
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The black goby (*Gobius niger*) is one of the largest representatives of the Gobiidae family in the Romanian coastal zone. It is a benthic (bottom) fish, very adaptable, capable of tolerating significant salinity variations. Although it has no high commercial value, it plays a crucial ecological role as an intermediate link in the food chain, being an important food source for larger predatory fish and ichthyophagous birds.
The body is robust, covered with large scales, and the head is massive with thick lips. Colour varies from dark brown to intense black, especially during the breeding season in males. A distinctive feature is the first dorsal fin, which has longer front rays and a characteristic black spot at the anterior base. Like all gobies, the ventral fins are fused, forming a sucker with which it attaches to the substrate.
It is widespread along the coasts of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. In the Danube Delta it occupies coastal zones with mixed substrate (gravel, sand with vegetation) and frequently penetrates brackish lagoons such as Razim-Sinoe. It prefers quiet, sheltered waters where it can hide among rocks or submerged plants.
The black goby is a territorial and relatively sedentary fish. It is an ambush predator, feeding on a variety of invertebrate organisms: amphipods, isopods, small molluscs and polychaete worms. Occasionally it consumes fish fry. Thanks to its ventral sucker, it can resist water currents without being displaced from its position.
Reproduction occurs between April and September. The male chooses a territory (usually a cavity under a rock or empty shell) which it cleans and defends aggressively. The female lays the eggs on the "ceiling" of this shelter, and the male fertilises and guards them until hatching, constantly ventilating them with its pectoral fins.
The species is classified as Least Concern (LC). Populations are stable and face no major threats, although degradation of coastal habitats through pollution or construction can affect local density. It is frequently fished by amateur anglers from breakwaters and cliffs.
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