GROWTH OF CRAPPIES IN SOUTH-DAKOTA WATERS

We obtained age-and-growth data from 34 black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) samples from 25 water bodies and nine white crappie (P. annularis) samples from four water bodies in South Dakota from 1990 through 1993. Mean backcalculated length for black crappie was significantly different among water body type [i.e., small impoundments (< 40 ha), reservoirs (greater than or equal to 40 ha) and natural lakes] for all ages (P less than or equal to 0.01) Growth was slowest in small impoundments and fastest in natural lakes. Ultimate length (L(infinity)) was significantly correlated with mean back-calculated length at age (P less than or equal to 0.01) Mean length at time of capture varied monthly for white crappies. Age-2 white crappies completed 71% of their growth-in length during July and August.