Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Sunfishes > White Crappie
White Crappie - Pomoxis annularis
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 white crappie and its close relative, the black crappie, are very similar in appearance and habit. These flat-bodied sunfishes are native to east-central North America but were introduced to Montana in the early 1900s. The white crappie is found in the eastern one-third of the state in streams, reservoirs, and ranch ponds. They are opportunistic feeders, utilizing plankton when young but switching primarily to fish as they mature. The white crappie is supposed to tolerate muddier waters than the black crappie and for that reason has been planted in some eastern Montana waters.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
May move into tributary streams to spawn. Study on Tongue River showed spawning movement into Otter Creek.
Habitat
Ponds, lakes and reservoirs and slow portions of streams. Seeks weedy areas, logs, and other protective cover. Seems more tolerant of turbid water than Black Crappie.
Food Habits
Mainly microcrustaceans during the 1st year, then largely fish.
Ecology
May cross with black crappie but no hybrids have been reported in Montana. Tributary streams may serve as rear- ing areas but may produce stunted populations.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature normally after 2 years. Spawns late spring - early summer at water temperatures of 57-73 degrees F., and is most active at 60-68 degrees F.
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:
White Crappie — Pomoxis annularis. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCQB13010.aspx
|
|
Sign Up for our Newsletter
*Includes current store specials/coupons and
Fish Tails stories
|
Enter Your Story to
Fish Tails and earn yourself a $20 gift certificate
Want to share your favorite fish story with other anglers?
Email me your picture and story (the fish that got away stories, funny stories, bragging rite stories, extreme stories).
If selected we will give you a $20 gift certificate and your story in our quarterly newsletter, and feature it on our website.
|
|
