White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis is one of North America's most popular sport panfish, found in large lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers across much of the eastern and central United States. It is the more elongated of the two crappie species, with a less deep body and a pattern of faint vertical bars on a silver-green background. White Crappie tolerate slightly warmer and more turbid conditions than Black Crappie.

In the aquarium, White Crappie are schooling fish that must be kept in groups to thrive and display natural behaviour. They are fast, open-water swimmers that need a long tank with ample swimming room. A group of five or more in a 500-litre or larger aquarium creates a dynamic mid-water display of flashing silver-green bodies.

They accept live and frozen fish and invertebrates readily, though transitioning to pellets can take time and patience. Their active schooling behaviour and attractive colouration make them a rewarding choice for the dedicated large native-fish aquarist.

Water: 10–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, moderate hardness; tolerates some turbidity. Tank: 500 L minimum; open swimming space, minimal décor; strong filtration. Feeding: Live/frozen invertebrates and small fish; slow to accept pellets — persist with gradual transition. Breeding: Group spawner over submerged vegetation; impractical in most home aquaria. Compatibility: Keep in schools of 5+; semi-aggressive — avoid very small tankmates.