Fact File
Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis
Classification: Fish, Order Perciformes, Family Centrarchidae
Size: White Crappie can grow larger than 16 inches in length
Life Span: White Crappie can live for up to 9 years in Virginia waters
Identifying Characteristics
- Laterally compressed body shape
- Snout is slightly upturned
- Large mouth and eye relative to body size
- Dark vertical bars across the body
- Second dorsal and anal fin symmetrical in orientation and size
Diet
White Crappie feed heavily upon insects and other species of fish.
Distribution
White Crappie are native to the Upper Tennessee River drainage in southwest Virginia, but have been introduced elsewhere throughout the state.

Habitat
White Crappie orient to submerged structure, particularly during their spawning process.
Last updated: January 15, 2025
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