Lake Texoma Fish Species: Black Crappie The black crappie is easily confused with the white crappie. However, it is deeper bodied than the white crappie, and silvery-green in color. There are no distinct vertical bars, rather there are irregular black blotches. The dorsal fin has seven or eight spines. Pomoxis is Greek for “opercle sharp,” and refers to the fact that the fish’s gill covers have spines. The species epithet nigromaculatus is Latin and means “black spotted.” Males do not develop specialized breeding coloration during spawning season. Other Names for Black Crappie: White perch, calico bass: Angling Importance: Black crappie predominate in Texas’.