500 



BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



number is usually diagnostic, placing the larvae in one species or the other. While 

 the dab does not take to bottom until upwards of 14 mm. long, the winter 

 flounder completes its metamorphosis at a length of only 8 to 9 mm. 



Williams's 71 observation (at Woods Hole) that the larva? were completely 

 metamorphosed when of the size just noted, supported by the position of the eye 

 in the Grampus example (fig. 254), is evidence that the dab is not as long subject 

 to involuntary migrations with the current as are some other flounders. Our 



Fig 255.— Locality records for larvae (0) of the dab, larvse (A) of the witch flounder, and eggs presumably referred to the dab (O) 



records for its larva? are all from the southwest part of the Gulf of Maine, from 

 Georges Bank, and from west of Cape Cod (fig. 225). 



Commercial importance. — This is hardly as desirable a table fish as the winter 

 or summer flounders, not from any lack of flavor but because its body is^thinner, 

 but those taken in the Massachusetts flounder fishery find a ready sale' with other 

 flatfishes. 



" Bulletin, Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, Vol. XL, 1902-3, No. 1, pp. 1-58, pis. 1-5. 



