FOOD OF YOUNG WINTEE FLOUNDERS. 



13 



Food and Parasites of 398 Small Winter Flounders Distributed According 

 TO Size of Fish, Number of Fish, and Number of Stations. 



[Figures referring to food represent average per cent of volume; figures referring to parasites represent 

 numerical average except under Sporozoa, where they indicate the number of fish in which cysts were 

 found.] 



» Trace. 



It will be seen from the table that small winter flounders feed 

 prin('i[)ally upon ampliipods and other small Crustacea, and upon 

 annelids. At the same time they are not restricted to Crustacea 

 and annelids but evidently can utilize a variety of alternative ma- 

 terial. 



The habits of the flounder — as one may observe its behavior in 

 an a(iuurium which is provided with sufficient sand — while strictly 

 those of a bottom fish (so far, at least, as its position is concerned) 

 are in reality those of an active and predatory fish. The food to 

 which it will most readily react must be in the shape of objects 

 which are in motion. Althouj^h it is by no means a swift swimmer 

 it is capable of very quick movements within a limited ranjije. In 

 its favorite position it lies flat on the bottom, often partly covered 

 with sand. When not concealed by a covering; of sand, it quickly 

 assumes a color and markin<r which cause it to blend iiidis(iii(,niish- 

 ablv with its surroiin(lin<^s. From this luitural niiibush it makes 

 sudden dashes — with surprisin*,' (luiekness upon objects which move 



