White Crappie vs Black Crappie: 5 Key Differences

Black and White Crappies

Popular amongst recreational anglers in North America, crappies are two species of medium-sized freshwater fish from the sunfish family. Because they are small enough to fit in a frying pan, crappies are often called “panfish.” Their bodies are oval, with scales approaching silver-green. They also have downturned mouths and spiny fins.

Crappie fish feed on smaller species, even the young of fish that prey upon them , like northern pike and walleye . In addition to smaller fish, crappies will feed on insects and zooplankton. They feed mainly in the mornings and evenings, in open water or near the shore. During the day, they tend to be less active and stay near submerged objects.

Key Differences Between White and Black Crappies

Black crappies can be distinguished from white ones if you know what to look for. The easiest ways are to check the spot patterns on the back, the number of spines on the dorsal fin, or the eye placement relative to the dorsal fin. The kind of water you catch the fish in can also be a good indicator of the type.

Up Next:

• The Largest Black Crappie Ever Caught in Virginia Was a Swimming Hulk
• The Largest Black Crappie Ever Caught in Ohio was a Shimmering Behemoth
• The Largest Crappie Ever Caught in Tennessee Was as Big as a Bag of Potatoes

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