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Corals form part of the marine animal kingdom. There are two main types of corals: Hard corals, are mainly made of calciform skeletons whereas Soft corals lack the rigid skeletons. Corals come in a wide variety of form and colour. They play a vital role in the marine and tropical islands ecosystems. Some islands and atolls are created by corals.
Coral reefs bring shelter, food and breeding ground to billions of marine organisms. They help in recycling the waters and nutrients. They have an important role to play in the building up of sand. They also develop as barrier reefs that create protected lagoons and nice beaches. These barrier reefs are like bumpers, absorbing the shock of breaking waves, protecting our beaches and islands from erosion. For some local fishermen, corals are known as “magasins” (store) or “la case posson” (fish house).
Most of the coral life develops mainly in circumtropical regions near the surface in depths varying from 0 to 50 metres but where the sea temperature ranges from 22º C to 28º C. Corals are abundant. They are also found in well lit areas.
In Mauritius, corals are one of the sources of revenue for our tourist industry. However, serious steps are being taken to further protect the reefs which are already exposed to natural cataclysms, environment change and human pressure. Do not destroy or buy corals - It is illegal!
In the nature series, a set of six stamps is being issued to feature these corals.
Rs3 Acropora rodriguensis
A rare species of acropora coral endemic to the Island of Rodrigues. It is an encrusting coral that develops on solid substratum like other dead coral for example.
Rs5 Dendronephthy sp
This soft coral with an hydrosqueleton, is common in depths from 10 to 40 metres. Its feeding habit is different from the other corals: it does not have symbiotics algae and feeds only on plankton.
Rs10 Ctenella chagius
This bubble coral is not very common in Mauritius. However, it can be found in the lagoons of Trou aux Biches and Mahebourg/Vieux Grand Port. The bubbles are in fact defensive vesicles and are found at depths varying from 4 to 25 metres.
Rs15 Porites lobata
This massive colony, helmet-shaped, is common in Mauritius and can be found either in the lagoons or directly on reefs where the waves crush. The polyps of this species are very small.
Rs22 Acropora clathrata
Table coral is most common in Mauritius where the current is low, at depths from 4 to 15 metres. It is an ideal hidding place for numerous fishes.
Rs25 Tubastrea coccinea This tube coral is found mostly beneath overhangs and shady surfaces on reef slopes, down to 30 metres. The yellowish tentacles can only be seen at night when they are active and capturing planktons.
First Day Cover Illustration
The illustration on the First Day Cover portrays a species named Pachyseris speciosa.
Technical Details
Designer: Nurveen Ratty
Printer : BDT International Security Printing Ltd
Size: 44.45 x 27.94 mm
Perforation: 14 x 2
Gum: PVA
Paper: CA Spiral Watermarked Sheet
format: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25
Release date:30 April 2007
Acknowledgements: Mr. Hugues Vitry
Mrs. Nathalie von Arnim
Mr. Eric Blais
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