Fin's Fish Guide
The White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a freshwater fish of the family Centrarchidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in calm rivers, lakes and reservoirs with submerged wood.
Description
The white crappie is a deep, laterally compressed sunfish of the family Centrarchidae reaching about 53 cm but usually smaller. The silvery, greenish-tinged body has faint dark crossbars and a large, far-protrusible mouth. The species forms schools around submerged wood and growth in quiet rivers, lakes and reservoirs of central and eastern North America. As a hunter it eats small fish, insect larvae and small crustaceans. In late spring it spawns in colonies, with the male making a nest pit and guarding the eggs and young. Because of its tasty flesh and its habit of living in schools it is a very popular panfish, widely stocked for sport fishing.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White crappie?
The White crappie has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep-bodied, silvery sunfish with faint dark vertical bars and a large, greatly protrusible mouth; forms shoals around submerged wood.
Where does the White crappie live?
The White crappie lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in calm rivers, lakes and reservoirs with submerged wood.
How big does the White crappie get?
The White crappie grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the White crappie dangerous to humans?
No, the White crappie is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White crappie edible?
Yes, the White crappie is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomoxis
More from the family Centrarchidae
Want the complete picture on the White crappie?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White crappie is one of 12,519 species in the app.