How to identify Crappie

White Crappie: 5 or 6 spines in dorsal fin (and bottom fin). The black blotches or spots tend to form vertical bars

Black Crappie: 7 or 8 spines in dorsal fin but only 5 or 6 in bottom fin e.g. top and bottom spines are not equal / same. The black blotches or spots are scattered and do not form vertical bars e.g. random black spots.

Black Nose Crappie: A black crappie with a recessive gene that results in a 'black nose' e.g. special coloration for some black crappie