I've heard that the average lifespan of crappie is 4 years. That seems to short. Just wandering if anyone could help out , am very curious.

Typical lifespan is around 7 years.

On balance, the longevity of crappie is 3 to 6 years with an 8-year maximum.

In the South, 95% are within 5yrs of age due to overharvest & thermal burnout.

(Thermal burnout is the same reason we won't see a world-record bass from Cuba or South Mexico).

Crappie double their weight during 2nd & 3rd year but thereafter it's: Length cubed / 1725

Roger

thanx , i fish a pond loaded with 14''-16'' crappie and was wondering how long it took them to reach this size. It is a small pond 1 acre, located in n. mo. This information will help determin how many i harvest.

I thought I read somewhere that it was 10 years, I could be wrong. But Bluegill is more like 4 years. Check the net and see.  :-X

Average size is 14" to 16"  

You must have some great fish fries.