Crappie, << KRAP ee or KRAHP ee, >> is a freshwater fish closely related to sunfish and black bass. It is found in sluggish, shallow waters of the midwestern and southern United States. The crappie is silvery olive with dark-green spots. It is about 1 foot (30 centimeters) long when full grown. It has a high fin on its back and a similar one on its belly. The white crappie has up to six spines in the back fin, and the black crappie has seven or more spines in the back fin. Crappies have large mouths. They feed on insects, small fishes, and other animals. They are an excellent food fish and one of the most important game fish in their region. Crappies are called by many other names, including bridge perch, bachelor perch, chinquapin perch, strawberry bass, calico bass, and sacalait.
