Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
They are colloquially known as 'paper mouths' because their mouth membranes are so thin and delicate that fishing hooks can easily tear through them.
- Scientific name
- Pomoxis nigromaculatus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Actinopterygii › Centrarchiformes › Centrarchidae › Pomoxis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- aquatic
- Habitat
- Clear, vegetated lakes, ponds, and slow-moving river backwaters with submerged logs or brush piles.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small fish like minnows and shad, as well as aquatic insects and crustaceans.
- Range
- United States, Southern Canada
- Size
- Typically 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and 1-2 lbs; can reach up to 19 inches in ideal conditions.
- Lifespan
- 7-15 years
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Habitat degradation through siltation, loss of aquatic vegetation, and chemical runoff from agriculture.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. When handling for catch-and-release, be wary of the sharp dorsal spines which can prick the skin. Use wet hands to protect their protective slime coat and return them quickly to the water.
The black crappie ( Pomoxis nigromaculatus ) is a freshwater fish found in North America, one of the two crappies. It is very similar to the white crappie in size, shape, and habits, except that it is darker, with a pattern of black spots.
Photo: Eric Engbretson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), PD, via iNaturalist
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