Black crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Summary 2
Family: Centrarchidae
Black crappie(Pomoxis nigromaculatus) are a popular sport species. Most common near rock piles and submerged log jams in lakes and portions of larger rivers where there is little to no current. They feed on aquatic insect larvae and small fishes. Male clears a circular area on the bottom of all debris and plants, then defends this nest from other fishes, crayfishes, etc. Female lays eggs in the nest, then leaves. Male remains to guard the young until they are old enough to swim off.
How to recognize: Roundish or “pan-shaped” body. Very thin. Seven or eight spines in the fin on the back. Dark blotches on a silvery-green background usually randomly distributed. Large mouth. Up to 1½ feet /0.4 meters long.
Sources and Credits
- (c) alavire, all rights reserved
- (c) alavire, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
