in taxon crappie black crappie CEC1993:597 The black crappie, *Pomoxis nigromaculatus* (Lesueur, 1829), is very similar to *P. annularis* in size, shape, and habits, except that it is darker, with a pattern of black spots. The black crappie has 7-8 spines on its dorsal fin. The number of spines on the dorsal fin, is occasionally the only way to differeniate between a juvenile black crappie and a white crappie. The black crappie tends to prefer clearer water than the white crappie does. Its native range is uncertain, since it has been so widely transplanted, but it is presumed to be similar to the white crappie's. The black crappie is also known as the strawberry bass or Oswego bass. ( crappie, black itis:168167 pomoxis nigromaculatus Pomoxis nigromaculatus requires discussion