REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 83 



IV, Size. The average length of the ackilt sand-dab is about 11 

 inches; they probably seldom attain the weight of a pound. Young 

 specimens are rather common in shallow water with a sandy bottom. 

 Williams,* 1898 and 1899, found many larval specimens at Woods 

 Hole closely associated with the young of the winter flounder. 

 Some of these specimens he kept for some time in artificial enclosures 

 and observed their growth. They grew very rapidly, much more so 

 than the flounders. One which measured 1,0 mm. (2-5) inch in 

 length and 5 mm. (1-5 inch) in depth during eleven days grew to 

 22 mm. (9-10 inch) in length and 12 mm. (^ inch) in depth. Speci- 

 mens 2 and 3 inches long are often taken in the seine along sandy 

 beaches after the middle of July. 



THE AMERICAN SOLE. 



{Achinis fasciatus.) 

 Plate VIII, and IX. 



I. Habitat and Distribution. This species is the only common 

 representative of the Sole family on the American side of the Atlantic. 

 It is found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Cape Ann to 

 Brazos, San Diego. It is common in shallow water at the mouths 

 of rivers with sandy bottoms, and often ascends rivers for consid- 

 erable distances above tide water. They are somewhat rare in 

 Narragansett Bay, but a few are taken in the traps each year. It 

 seems to be more commonly present during summer and early fall; 

 Dr. Smith states that at Woods Hole it is present the year round. 

 Nothing is known of its breeding habits. On account of its small 

 size it is of no commercial importance, though its flesh is said to be of 

 good flavor. 



The sole of European fame is not found in American waters. Two 

 or three attempts have been made by United States Fish Commission 

 to introduce it from English waters, but apparently without success. 



* Williams, loc. cit. 



