Either of two deep-bodied freshwater North American fish species (family Centrarchidae) that are popular as food and prized by sport fishermen.
Native to the eastern U.S. but introduced elsewhere, crappies may reach a length of about 12 in. (30 cm) and a weight of about 4 lb (2 kg). The white crappie ( Pomoxis annularis ) generally inhabits warm, silty lakes and rivers. Silvery with irregular dark markings, it is usually lighter in colour than the similar black crappie, or calico bass ( P. nigromaculatus ), which typically lives in clear lakes and streams.