Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Least Concern Freshwater

Max Length

49.0 cm

Max Weight

2.7 kg

Color

Silver-green to olive-gray body heavily …

Depth Range

0-?m

Family

Centrarchidae

About

The black crappie is a popular panfish found throughout North American lakes and reservoirs. Known for its delicate, sweet-tasting flesh, it is most actively caught during spring spawning when it moves to shallow water near cover.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	49.0 cm
Maximum Weight	2.7 kg
Depth Range	0-?m

Coloration

Silver-green to olive-gray body heavily speckled with irregular dark black-green spots scattered randomly without forming vertical bars; dorsal and anal fins spotted; belly is silvery-white.

Habitat & Distribution

Estuaries

Water Type

Freshwater

Depth Range

0-?m

Geographic Range

Native to freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow rivers of the eastern United States and southern Canada from the Great Lakes to Texas. Found in weedy reservoir backwaters and vegetated coves; introduced throughout the West.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Black Crappie is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Sweet, tender white flesh with fine flakes and very low fat; considered among the best-tasting panfish. Delicious pan-fried with light seasoning or battered and deep-fried.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

3/5

Recommended Bait

minnows, jigs, small crankbaits

Taxonomy

Order	Centrarchiformes (Sunfishes)
Family	Centrarchidae (Sunfishes)
Species	Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Spanish	Crappie negro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Black Crappie?

Sweet, tender white flesh with fine flakes and very low fat; considered among the best-tasting panfish. Delicious pan-fried with light seasoning or battered and deep-fried.

How big does Black Crappie get?

Black Crappie can grow up to 49.0 cm long and weigh 2.7 kg.

Where is Black Crappie found?

Is Black Crappie endangered?

The conservation status of Black Crappie is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Black Crappie belong to?

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) belongs to the family Centrarchidae (Sunfishes) in the order Centrarchiformes (Sunfishes).