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.

50cs - Cateau/Scarus ghobban - Family Scaridae

Cateau is the local name of a number of species belonging to the parrotfish family. The one illustrated is very common in Mauritius and reaches some 75 cm. The family name stems from the teeth which are fused into plates resembling a parrot's beak. With these powerful teeth the cateaus can crush corals and feed on their polyps or algae covering them. The powdered calcareous material later passes out of the intestine to form sand. Colour is very variable in the family according to age and sex. In some cases this has led the same species to be described under different names.

Rs1 - Vielle/Cephalolis sonnerati - Family Serranidae

This Vielle grows to about 60 cm. It occurs mainly on the deeper parts of reefs, from about 30 metres to at least 100 metres. It is a member of the grouper and sea-bass family, and feeds mainly on smaller fishes and crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps and small lobsters.

This unicorn fish is named after the prominent horn, which first appears as a bump on the head of juveniles (at a size of about 10 cm). The juveniles feed on algae growing on reefs, whereas the adults, which can grow to about 50 cm, feed also on plankton. Unicorn fishes are members of the surgeonfish family, and have four immoveable plates, two on each side, near the base of the tail.

Rs25 - Voilier/fstiophorus platvpterus . Family Acanthuridae

The "voilier", which grows to at least 3.6 metres and over 100 kilograms is also known as the Indo-Pacific Sailfish, referring to the high sail-like dorsal fin. Sometimes hunting in cooperative teams, it uses its long "bill" to attack and stun its prey of smaller fishes and squids. Like other billfishes (a group that also includes marlins and swordfish), the "voilier" is a popular gamefish, renowned for its fighting ability.

First Day Cover Illustration

The First Day Cover illustrates a shoal of fish. Only the 50cs, Rs1, Rs2 and Rs25 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

2000 issues:
Mauritius Personalities
Fishes of Mauritius - 1
Fishes of Mauritius - 3
Centenary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.
Olympic Games Sydney 2000
Insects (Beetles)
150th Anniversary Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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