A valid fishing license is required. Non-native to Arizona, Black Crappie were introduced to Arizona in the 1905. Seven or eight spines on dorsal fin. Body is compressed or flat. Spawning is often in open water, typically over mud, sand or gravel bottoms.
Males guard the nest, and young after the eggs hatch.
Generally mature in second or third year of life, rarely live more than 6 to 7 years. In Arizona, threadfin shad are their mail diet. Non-native to Arizona, White Crappie were introduced to Arizona in the 1960. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike the yellow bass, which are joined at the base. 2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd.