Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Sunfishes > Black Crappie
Black Crappie - Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Exotic Species (not native to Montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
The black crappie is more widespread across eastern Montana than the white crappie with some scattered populations into central and western Montana. As the name implies, it is darker colored than the white crappie, and has seven or eight dorsal spines instead of the five or six spines found on the white. Crappies are spring-spawning nest-builders like all the other sunfish. Crappies are fun to catch, good to eat, and can weigh up to 3 pounds although 1/2 pound fish are the rule. They are schooling fish and notorious for their love of stumps, debris piles, or other cover.Crappies are spring-spawning nest-builders like all the other sunfish. Crappies are fun to catch, good to eat, and can weigh up to 3 pounds although 1/2 pound fish are the rule. They are schooling fish and notorious for their love of stumps, debris piles, or other cover.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Fish from turbid waters may be light colored.
Distribution
Montana Range
Resident Year Round
Habitat
Favors lakes, reservoirs, and relatively large clear streams with sandy to mucky bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Prefers slow portions of streams.
Food Habits
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, and other aquatic invert. Minnows and other small fishes are important in diet of larger individuals.
Ecology
Often found in association with white crappie where collected in southeast Montana.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature in 2-3 years. Spawns May - June when water temperatures reach 58-64 degrees F., but may spawn later in summer. Incubation: 3-5 days.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Black Crappie — Pomoxis nigromaculatus. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCQB13020.aspx
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