Black Crappie
Description
To 16";
5lbs. Deep, strongly compressed, dorsal profile rounded; back greenish,
sides silvery green with dark green to black scattered mottlings not forming
bars, belly silvery, median fins yellowish green with dusky, wavy lines
and white spots. Head long, concave near eye; mouth oblique, extends past
middle of eye. Dorsal fins connected without notch, 7-8 spines; anal
fin large, 6 spines.
Habitat
Quiet, warm, clear streams,
ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.
Similar Species
White Cappie has more elongate body; 6 dorsal fin spines;
occurs in same habitat
Comments
This is a very popular sport and food fish, especially in the southern part of its range. It's generally less abundant then the White Crappie and less tolerant of silty and turbid waters. It feeds throughout the day and night, but is most active in the evening.
Crappies are called by many other names, including bridge perch, bachelor perch, chinquapin perch, strawberry bass, calico bass, and sacalait.
Other
Other