What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Crappie? (What You Should Know!)

The average lifespan of a crappie is 15 years. However, during the first four years of life, young black crappies grow quickly in the warm waters of the southern US while growth is slower in cooler northern U.S. waters. Black crappies reach maturity at 2-4 years of age. Therefore, the average lifespan of a crappie may be slightly lower in cooler northern waters than in warmer southern waters.

What is the longest crappie ever?

The longest crappie on record was 17.71 inches long, and weighed 4.33 pounds. This fish was caught in February 2021 at a local supermarket, and the weight has been confirmed by a certified scale. This is an impressive catch, especially when compared to the all-tackle world record for a black crappie, which is 5 pounds 7 ounces and was caught in May 2018 in Tennessee.

How can you tell a male crappie from a female?

Biologist Mike Colvin suggests checking the color of a crappie’s belly and fins to determine its gender. He notes that on a male, these areas will change to black during spawning season, while the female’s coloration will not change. Additionally, males may have swollen bellies prior to spawning season.