Flatfishes, sunfishes, and perchlike fishes
Description
The White Crappie is a member of the sunfish family (family Centrarchidae). Sunfishes are one of the most widespread and popular groups of freshwater sport fishes. Their dorsal fins are joined, separated only by a notch, and the anal fin has 3 or more spines. The caudal fin is usually forked, and the gill membranes are usually separate. Except for a single species native to California, sunfishes are indigenous to warm waters of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. However, as a result of their popularity with anglers, their range has been increased by introducing them into other areas. There are 32 species in North America.
