White and Black crappies are very similar and often found in the same waters. The main difference between the two is their water clarity and vegetation preference, so you may find them in different areas of the same water body.
How do you identify crappie
Black and white crappie can be differentiated by color in some cases, matching their respected names. However, they each can vary in color by being completely light or dark. The best way to tell crappie apart is by their markings and dorsal spines.
Black Crappies have irregular dark blotches and 7-8 dorsal spines.
White crappies have compressed bodies with regular dark bars running down their body and 5-6 dorsal spines.
Crappie Habitat
Both Crappies inhabit a similar mix of freshwaters, including lakes, ponds, backwaters pools, slow rivers, and streams. They usually reside in waters less than 12 feet deep that are abundant in weeds and rocks to inhabit.
White crappie are less dependent on vegetation than black crappie. But during the day, they can be found in similar types of areas that have shelter.
They usually are in deeper water during the summer and shallower water in the spring.
Black Crappie Habitat
Black crappie prefer clear, calm water with shade and heavy vegetation to hide in. They are also fond of the sand and mud bottoms located in freshwater bodies.
White Crappie Habitat
White crappie will live in both clear and cloudy areas. Unlike black crappie, they may be found swimming in open waters, but that varies on the time of day.
White crappie swim in open waters in the morning and evening. During the day, they hide in more shallow calm waters near the structure.
