crappie WIKIPEDIA:White_crappie) The species of this genus are known as crappies and are extremely popular game fish. The genus has two species the white and black crappie. Crappie of both species are sometimes referred to as papermouths, calico bass, and strawberry bass. Both species of crappie feed on minnows as adults. Both species spawn in the early spring when the water temperature nears 64 to 68 degrees. Crappie create a nest in fine silt or gravel, and the nests are often congregated in very high densities in shallow waters. ( pomoxis spp. sunfish family requires discussion