Spawning is often in open water, typically over mud, sand or gravel bottoms. Males guard the nest, and young after the eggs hatch. Generally mature in second or third year of life, rarely live more than 6 to 7 years. In Arizona, threadfin shad are their mail diet. Non-native to Arizona, White Crappie were introduced to Arizona in the 1960.
Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike the yellow bass, which are joined at the base.
2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Prefer clear, open waters. Spawn in large groups, in April or May, generally over rocky or rip-rap type areas. Main diet is threadfin shad. During a feeding frenzy, they will strike practically any shad imitating lure tossed into their midst.