freshwater
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
Deep, laterally compressed body with a silver-white background color and vertical dark bars or spots along the sides. It typically has 6 spines in the dorsal fin, distinguishing it from its close relative the black crappie.
- Habitat
- Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving riv…
- Size & weight
- Typically 9 to 15 inches in length and weighing 0.5 to 2…
- Diet
- Carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish, aquatic in…
Identified More freshwater →
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Physical characteristics
Deep, laterally compressed body with a silver-white background color and vertical dark bars or spots along the sides. It typically has 6 spines in the dorsal fin, distinguishing it from its close relative the black crappie.
Habitat & distribution
Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation, submerged timber, or brush piles.
Behavior
Highly social and schooling fish that tend to aggregate around structure like submerged brush or docks. They are generally most active during low-light periods such as dawn and dusk (crepuscular).
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.
Reproduction
Spawns in the spring when water temperatures reach around 58 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Males construct shallow nests in gravel or sandy substrates near cover and aggressively guard the eggs and newly hatched fry.
Ecological role
Acts as an intermediate predator in freshwater food webs, consuming smaller fish and invertebrates while serving as prey for larger piscivorous fish such as bass and pike.
Similar species
Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), which features a more random spotted pattern rather than vertical bars and usually has 7 or 8 dorsal spines.
Identification tips
Count the spines on the dorsal fin (usually 6 in white crappie vs. 7-8 in black crappie) and look for the characteristic vertical dark bands on the body.
Interesting facts
White crappie are known by many regional nicknames, including papermouth, due to their delicate skin around the mouth which can easily tear during angling.