NATIVE AQUARIUM FISHES 



171 



THE SOLE 



Trinectes maculatus 



Among the interesting novelties in aquarium fishes is the Sole, 

 often known as the freshwater Flounder. It has been called the "aero- 

 plane fish" on account of its easy, horizontal progress through the water, 

 the swimming being accomplished mainly by an undulating motion of 

 the fins at the edges of the body, as shown in the two upper figures of 

 the accompanying illustration. The third figure indicates the under 

 side of the fish, while the lowest shows the Sole as it lies half concealed 



Fig. 144. The Sole {Trinectes maculatus) [Young] 



in the mud. In the aquarium these fishes frequently fasten themselves 

 flat to the sides of the glass by suction. They may be gathered from the 

 muddy flats of tidewater streams of the Atlantic Coast. Chopped worms 

 make a suitable diet for them. Sizes such as pictured are good aquarium 

 inhabitants. 



FEEDING WILD FISHES 



The majority of native fishes when first subjected to captivity are 

 timid, shy or resentful. Disturb them as little as possible for several 

 days until they have grown into the confidence that they are in the 

 hands of friends. Try feeding with small bits of tempting prepared 

 fishfoods, small earthworms, white worms (see page 79), particles of 

 canned shrimp or such other food as would seem to be particularly attrac- 

 tive to the kind of fish in question. If everything else fails it will be 

 found that nearly all small fishes will eat live daphnia (figure 55). 



A very good practice is to place newly caught wild fishes with 

 suitable domesticated ones. They will then learn new ways and to eat 

 new food surprisingly soon. 



