Black Crappie
(also known as Papermouth, Specks)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black crappie are less widely distributed than white crappie in Ohio, but are generally found throughout the state including western Lake Erie. Generally, black crappie prefer clear water containing aquatic vegetation. They are less tolerant of silt and turbidity than white crappie.
Black crappie closely resemble white crappie, but have deeper bodies. Furthermore, their head, back and sides are mottled with dusky or black blotches. These blotches do not form vertical bands as on white crappie. The most reliable characteristic, however, is that black crappie have seven or eight dorsal spines.
Black crappie average 8 to 12 inches in Ohio. The state record fish weighs 4 pounds, 8 ounces and is 18.12 inches long.