What feeding strategy primarily characterizes mature White Crappie exceeding 12–15 centimeters in length?

Piscivorous/Carnivorous, eating small fish and crayfish

The transition in diet is a vital component of the White Crappie's lifecycle success, allowing it to exploit different food niches as it grows larger. Once the fish reaches a size threshold, typically around 12 to 15 centimeters, its feeding strategy undergoes a dramatic shift away from microscopic prey. The mature fish become primarily piscivorous and carnivorous, utilizing their substantial, protrusible mouths to capture and consume larger prey items. This adult diet heavily features small forage fish, such as shad and minnows, supplemented by larger invertebrates, notably crayfish. This dietary shift is essential for achieving the necessary biomass accumulation for successful reproduction.