What temporary physical change do male White Crappie undergo during the spring spawning period?
Answer
Developing pronounced dark coloration, turning throats and heads nearly black
During the breeding season in the spring, male white crappie exhibit pronounced secondary sexual characteristics related to courtship and territory defense. This temporary physiological shift involves a dramatic deepening of coloration, specifically resulting in their throats and often their entire heads turning a nearly black hue. Anglers unfamiliar with this spawning phase might mistake these temporarily darkened males for the generally darker-colored black crappie, necessitating a physical check of distinguishing traits like spine count.
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