Black Crappie - Reproduction and Life Cycle

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Black crappies mature at 2–4 years. Growth during the first four years of their life is faster in the warm waters of the southern part of its range than in cooler waters in the north. White crappie have a higher growth rate in terms of length than black crappie. Most fish that are caught for sport are between 2 and 5 years old.

The breeding season varies by location, due to the species' great range. Breeding temperature is 14‒20°C (58‒68°F) and spawning occurs in spring and early summer. Spawning occurs in a nest built by the male. Males use their bodies and tails to sweep out an area of sand or mud in shallow water (between one and six feet deep) usually near a shoreline and vegetation to create a nest. Black crappies appear to nest in the most protected areas (such as places with woody debris or live vegetation) possible.

Female crappies produce an average of 40,000 spherical eggs, the number depending on their age and size. After spawning, the male watches over the nest until eggs hatch, which is usually about 2–3 days. Newly hatched fish larvae are about 2.32 mm long and appear translucent. They stay in the nest for several days before moving to shallow, sheltered waters.

The oldest recorded age of a specimen is fifteen years, although seven years is a more typical life span for the species.