A silvery panfish with dark vertical bands (vs. blotches on black crappie). Crappie support beloved sport fisheries across the central US — especially through ice in winter.

Also called: White Crappie, Sac-au-Lait, Papermouth

Native status: Native to central and eastern US; widely stocked

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 18–35 cm; record 53 cm
Weight200 g–2 kg; record 2.4 kg
LifespanWild 6–10 years
OrderCentrarchiformes
FamilyCentrarchidae

§ Encyclopedia

The white crappie is a freshwater fish found in North America, one of the two species of crappies. Alternate common names for the species include goldring, silver perch, white perch and sac-a-lait. USS Goldring is named for the fish. The genus name Pomoxis refers to crappies' sharp operculum, while the species name annularis means 'having rings', i.e., it has vaguely vertical bars on the body.

Source: Wikipedia — White crappie Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Round-bodied silvery panfish with 6–9 vertical dark bars on flanks; deeply notched dorsal fin (6 spines vs. Black Crappie's 7–8).

Similar species. Black Crappie (mottled rather than barred). Other Lepomis sunfish (different shape).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small fish, aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior. Common reservoir and lake fish; popular sport fish for ice fishing and bank fishing. Tolerates more turbid water than Black Crappie; can be the dominant panfish in muddy reservoirs and ponds. Spawning runs into shallow vegetation each spring provide concentrated fishing opportunities.

§ Range

Central US, into Mexico

§ Habitat

Lakes, reservoirs, rivers — tolerates more turbid water than black crappie

§ Threats

Reservoir water quality, dam impacts, climate-driven thermal stress.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the white crappie is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support clean reservoirs. Practice catch-and-release of large breeders. Follow harvest regulations.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • B.A.S.S.
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2013