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The Postal Services is issuing a set of 12 definitive postage stamps on Fishes of
Mauritius to replace the current definitive set on the Protection of the
Environment. The set comprises stamps of the 50cs, Re1, Rs2, Rs3, Rs4, Rs5,
Rs6, Rs7, Rs8, Rs10, Rs15 and Rs25 denominations.
For this issue, the philatelic products consist of 3 sets of First Day Covers with 4
stamps each, 3 Souvenir Sheets with 4 stamps each and Souvenir Sheets on 3
First Day Covers.
These fishes, with the exception of some species, are found throughout the tropical
Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Rs4 - Ange/Centropyge
debelius - Family Pomacanthidae
This little 9 cm angelfish was described from Mauritius and Reunion,
where it occurs on steep outer reef slopes in relatively deep water
(48-90metres). Surprisingly for such a brightly coloured fish, it was not known
to science prior to 1990. Angelfishes resemble butterflyfishes, but differ in
having a large spine on their cheek. Like many other small angelfishes, this
one feeds on algae.
Rs7 - Chirurgien/Acanthurus leucosternon - Family Acanthuridae
This brightly coloured surgeonfish is particularly common on oceanic islands like Mauritius.
It occurs mainly on shallow coral reef areas, often in large feeding
aggregations. It grows to a little over 20 cm, and feeds on algae. Surgeonfishes
are named for the scalpel-like spines near the base of the tail, which are used
defensively. This "Chirurgien" and related species have a single,
moveable spine, but other surgeonfish species may have as many as six, though
these may be plate-like and immoveable.
Rs8 - Laffe Volant/Pterois volitans - Family Scorpaenidae
This distinctive scorpionfish grows to about 50 cm. It is found around reefs, often
in caves, from the shallows down to at least 50 metres. It feeds on smaller
fishes and crustaceans, which it herds with the large pectoral fins. Spines on
the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are venomous, and a sting from them can cause
excruciating pain.
Rs10 - Anguille/Siderea grisea - Family Muraenidae
This moray eel grows to about 65 cm and is one of the commonest eels of Mauritius.
Unlike fish-eating morays with their long canine teeth, Siderea grisea has
relatively short rounded teeth, which are adapted for catching and crushing its
prey of crabs and shrimps. It is often seen in shallow waters.
First Day Cover Illustration
The First Day Cover illustrates a shoal of fish. Only the Rs4, Rs7, Rs8 and Rs10
denominations appear on the First Day Cover.
Souvenir Sheet
The Souvenir Sheet portrays the above four stamps.
Cancellation Cachet
The cancellation cachet specially designed for the issue is applied on official
First Day Cover only.
Technical Details
Designer Andrew Robinson
Printer House of Questa
Stamp Size 27.94 x 44.45 mm
S. Sheet Size 130x100 mm
Perforation 14 per 2 cm
Gum PVA
Paper Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet format 50 stamps set in 2 panes of 25
Release date 9 October 2000
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