The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Sunfishes

Black Crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Very compressed body
ï¿½	Upturned nose and mouth
ï¿½	Rounded pectoral fin
ï¿½	Slightly notched tail fin
ï¿½	Anal and dorsal fins nearly the same length
ï¿½	Large eye
ï¿½	Speckled body
ï¿½	Dorsal, anal, and tail fins black with white spots
ï¿½	Length of dorsal fin base equal to distance from first dorsal spine to eye
ï¿½	Head and side of body silver with dark marks

Similar species: 
ï¿½	White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) 

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 100-400 mm total length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Swamps, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slack water in rivers
ï¿½	Found in vegetation and structure

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	James drainage
ï¿½	Introduced to all other drainages in Virginia

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Insects, fish, and crustaceans

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs around April at 15-20°C
ï¿½	Nests dug out around vegetation close to other nests
ï¿½	Fecundity is 11,000-188,000 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	One of the most popular pan fishes in Virginia  

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):