DESCRIPTION - A large, deep-bodied sunfish, the crappie are 7-10 inches in length. Typical colouring is an olive, metallic green to golden brown with overcast of silver or blue. The sides are lighter and the whole body is covered with irregular black blotches.

DISTRIBUTION - This fish is present in backwaters and tributaries of the lower Fraser river in British Columbia.

BIOLOGY - The black crappie spawns in late spring to early summer when the female lays an average of 37 796 eggs and leaves the male to guard the nest and fan the eggs until they hatch. The maximum age is 8-10 years. This species feeds on fish, insects and larvae.

RELATION TO MAN - This is an abundant species which both a commercial and a sport fish. The flesh is flaky, white and very tasty.