They are called "croppy" mostly out of politeness. I just go by whatever my friend in the boat says. Go along to get along. A crappie by any name is still a crappie.

I think they may have been called Crapy with a long A owing the their crepe-like mouths which tear easily. That goes along with the name "paper mouth".

By the way, I prefer the white crappie for its size. The black crappie is smaller but equally delicious.