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Black Crappie (aka Calico Bass)
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Photo credit: Bill Byrne, MA
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Life history and habitat requirements:
This fish, also known as the “calico bass,” is an
introduced species originally native to the Great Lakes and
Mississippi Valley. It is the largest sunfish in Massachusetts
and is widely distributed throughout the state except for
Cape Cod. The black crappie feed primarily on smaller fish
and larval insects and often schools around shade-providing
structures such as fallen trees, sunken stumps, and submerged
brush piles. Schools of black crappie and individuals can
also be found suspended at various depths in deep water areas.
Like other sunfish, black crappie breed over roundish nests
cleared and guarded by the males. Nests are often located
in shady areas under trees and brush. They can tolerate temperatures
from 60 -75 degrees F, but prefer cooler water. In general,
these fish like quiet, warm, clear streams, slow-moving rivers,
ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
(Sources: Massachusetts Wildlife,
No. 2, 2000, Special Fishing Issue and AMC Guide to Freshwater
Fishing in New England.)
Total length:
10 - 12 inches (MA record weight
= 4 lbs, 10 oz.)
Pollution tolerance class (USEPA):
Intermediate tolerance
Classification:
Macrohabitat generalist
Number of fish found during 1954 &
2001 Fish Surveys:*
| Location |
No. of Fish 1954 |
No. of Fish 2001 |
| Assabet River |
9 |
32 |
| Nashoba Brook |
8 |
|
| Total |
17 |
32 |
*Sources:
Schlotterbeck, L.C. and W.A. Tompkins, 1954. "A
Fisheries Investigation of the Merrimack and Ipswich River Drainages."
Bureau of Wildlife Research and Management, Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries and Game.
DFW, 2001. Assabet Watershed Fish Survey. MA Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA.
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