The white crappie and the black crappie are two of the most popular species of fish to catch on the waters of the United States. Although they may be similar in appearance, they have distinct differences that can affect their ability to live and thrive in the environment. These differences can also affect the fish’s life span and how much fun it can be to fish for them.
Dorsal fins
The most important difference between black and white crappie is their body shape. Black Crappie have a relatively flat body compared to white, which tends to be more elongated.
While both varieties of crappie are tasty, they are different. For example, the Connecticut River white crappie is a bit lighter in color than its black cousin.
Black and white crappies are two species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family. They are found in lakes all over the United States and Canada. Some of the differences between them include the color and size of their fins.
The dorsal fins of black and white crappies are both important to the identification process. In particular, the dorsal fin of a black crappie is much farther forward on the body than the dorsal fin of a white crappie.
One way to distinguish the two is by counting the number of spiny rays on the dorsal fin. White crappies will have five or six spiny rays, while black crappies will have seven or eight.
Spawning
When it comes to spawning, both black and white crappies are highly productive. The males guard their nests and feed a lot before the females arrive. During the spawn, the females lay eggs.
Both sexes can be found in similar habitats. They are adapted to life in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers.
Black crappie tend to breed earlier than white crappies. Males build nests in shallow water, and females spawn in deeper waters. As a rule, females produce more eggs than males.
The males are protective, spitting out baitfish to keep predators away. Their feeding is not as aggressive as that of the females.
Females release a few dozen eggs during the spawn. Eggs can be round or oval in shape. The average egg is 0.89mm in diameter. It takes about 42 days for them to hatch.
The best part of the spawning process is the “thump”. The males are aggressive, but are not actively feeding after the females have left.
Life spans
There are two species of crappie: white and black. They have many similarities, but their life spans are different. The white is more common, and its range extends from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico. Black crappies, on the other hand, live in freshwater areas in North America.
Both fish are members of the Centrarchidae family, which includes largemouth bass. White and black crappies are predators that feed on zooplankton and insects. Crappies can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers. Some species are also known to inhabit reservoirs.
Crappie live in shallow water, and can be caught by a variety of methods. They are considered a delicacy in some parts of the United States. Anglers often use worms or crickets as bait. Small jigs and spincast reels are also popular for fishing.
The average size of an adult white crappie is four pounds. The current world record for this fish is five pounds, three ounces.
Habitats
If you’re looking for information on the habitats of white crappie and black crappie, you’ve come to the right place. Both species can be found in a wide variety of waters throughout the United States. They are considered a popular game fish and are commonly caught by anglers.
The white crappie has a slightly longer body than the black crappie. Its fins are larger and it has irregular black blotches on its body.
White crappies tend to be found in sand-bottomed pools or small lakes. They can be found in both warmer and cooler water. However, they prefer to live in slightly alkaline bodies of water. Depending on the location, they might be found in shallow or deep waters.
Black crappies prefer to live in deeper, clearer waters. This species also prefers aquatic vegetation over sand or mud. These animals have a longer lifespan than the white crappie, as they can live up to 15 years.