Below we will cover some of the differences between white crappie and black crappie so that you'll know which one you've landed on your next trip.
The below picture shows two fish in the fore front of the image. The one on top is a black crappie and the one below it is a white crappie. We'll discuss their differences below.
1. Body Markings
The main distinction between white and black crappie is how their body markings, or scale coloring, is arranged.
White crappie will have vertically arranged body markings down their body
Black crappie will have scattered, irregular scale coloring
2. Body Shape
White crappie tend to have a longer body shape.
Pay attention to the total height of the fish from its dorsal fin to it's belly.
If the overall height of the fish is much shorter than it's length it is more than likely a white crappie.
Black crappie tend to sport a body shape that is much more rounded. This is very similar to some of it's other panfish family members like bluegill.
3. Dorsal Fin Spines
White crappie will have fewer dorsal fin spines than black crappie.
When counting these, focus on spines that will prick you if you aren't careful. Do not worry about the individual spines that make up the rounded part of the dorsal fin.
Generally you can expect white crappie to have 5-6 spines.
Black crappie tend to have more, roughly 7-8 dorsal spines.
The more you know...👍
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