Which three primary categories dominate the core diet of mature white crappie?
Answer
Insects, crustaceans, and small fish
Once a white crappie achieves maturity, its diet broadens significantly to incorporate energy-dense prey necessary to support its larger body mass. While they remain opportunistic, their intake is heavily weighted toward three main categories of food sources found across reservoirs and large lakes. These core categories are aquatic insects, which includes various stages like nymphs and larvae found on bottom structure or vegetation; crustaceans, with scuds and small crayfish being prominent; and small fish, often referred to as baitfish, which provide the highest caloric return for larger specimens.
Related Questions
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