Black Crappie

Distribution

Black Crappie are native throughout much of southeast Virginia, and the Upper Tennessee watershed in southwest Virginia. As a species prized for recreation and consumption, Black Crappie have also been introduced throughout much of the Commonwealth.

Identifying Characteristics

• Round bodied fish with an upturned mouth
• 7 or 8 dorsal spines (White Crappie have 5 or 6)
• Protruding lower jaw
• Dark to olive color along the back, transitioning to silver on the stomach
• Black mottling throughout
• Sexually dimorphic; males can be nearly solid black during spawning

Diet

Black Crappie feed heavily upon insects and other species of fish.

Reproduction

Black Crappie spawn in the spring and early summer, often in colonies with multiple nests present in one area. Nests are nearly always located near submerged structures, such as stumps, vegetation, or brush. Black Crappie can also find great spawning substrates in and around boat docks when natural protective habitats aren’t readily available. Because Black Crappie eggs are adhesive, they remain attached to structures or substrates while being protected by the male.

A post-spawn male Black Crappie.

Habitat

Black Crappie most often prefer cooler, deeper, clear bodies of water with little current. Black Crappie orient to submerged structure, particularly during their spawning process.