Black Crappie

Length: 18-25 cm. (7-10 in.)

Distribution/Habitat:
Found in warm, clear, vegetated lakes, ponds, larger streams and rivers. They prefer little current, open areas adjacent to cover, and access to deeper water in winter and summer.

Black crappie are actively colonizing new lakes and rivers, and are now found scattered throughout southern Ontario and watersheds from Quetico to Lake of the Woods, including the margins of all Great Lakes.

Similar fish:

• white crappie

Key identifying characteristics:

• 7-8 dorsal fin spines
• 6 or 7 anal fin spines
• irregular mosaic of distinct black blotches