how long does a crappie usually live

On average, about 7 years before it is caught by anglers, eaten by predators, or succumbs to diseases or parasites. Fish live a bit longer up north because of the colder water slowing their growth and metabolism, and the shorter growing seasons. Up north, a crappie may live an average life-span of around 8-10 years. Down south, few crappie make it beyond 4-5 years. There are many diseases that can shorten a crappies life. One of the worst is Viral Hemorrhagc Septicemia. A fish with this virus will have serious hemorrhaging from the gills, mouth, eyes, and vent. It is very contagious, and has caused several fish kills. Although humans are in no danger of being infected, they can inadvertantly spread the disease to other bodies of water. If you catch a fish, and suspect this condition, save the fish and contact your local Fish and Game Department as soon as possible. Wash and disinfect all of your gear, waders, boots, and boat or float tube before using them again (it’s a good practice to follow at all times), especially in another lake, pond, river or stream. Another, more common condition is Columnnaris, caused by the bacteria Flavobacterium Columnari. The fish will one or more red lesions, usually on it’s side somewhere, surrounded by a whitish area. The red area is caused by both the bacteria, and the fish trying to scrap the infection off on rocks, or the bottom. This actually makes the situation worse, because allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. The withish area is from secondary fungal infection. If you catch a fish showing these signs, do not return it to the water. It may be safe to eat the fish, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Use it for fertilizer in the garden. Crappie can also get ‘ick’, dropsy or other diseases, just like aquarium fish. There are a whole host of parasites that can shorten thier life. They are also preyed on by humans, semi-aquatic mammals, snakes, turtles, waterfowl, sea gulls, ospreys, etc…as well as other fish. If a crappie survives it’s first 6 months (less than 50% will), and barring being caught, eaten, diseased, infected by parasites, or poisoned, a crappie could possibly live to 15 years old, but it would be a very rare fish, indeed. Happy Fishing.