Fish of Tokelau

 

The three tiny atolls of Tokelau are placed  in the vast Pacific Ocean, and are surrounded by a range of fish species, four of which feature on the ‘Fish of Tokelau’ stamp issue.

The fish illustrated in this colourful stamp issue are the kakahi (yellowfin tuna), the palu malau (ruby snapper), the paala (wahoo) and the mahi-mahi (common dolphinfish).

The 40c stamp represents  Kakahi (Thunnus albacares) fish. Kakahi (Thunnus albacares) are commonly found at depths of 100 to 120 metres in Tokelau, and are a favourite catch of Tokelauans. They are torpedo-shaped with dark metallic-blue backs, yellow sides and silver bellies.

Kakahi (Thunnus albacares) or The yellowfin tuna is among the larger tuna species, reaching weights of over 400 pounds. Yellowfin tuna prey include other fish, pelagic crustaceans, and squid.

The Swordfish

Swordfish are large , highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill.  They have characteristics are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood.

 

On April 7, 2003, Mayotte Post issued one stamp feature the Swordfish as part of their fauna stamp series. Swordfish found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m .They commonly reach 3 m  in length.

Mainly the swordfish relies on its great speed and agility in the water to catch its prey. Their  speed average of 60 mph .They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive.

Swordfish are vigorous, powerful fighters. When hooked or harpooned, they have been known to dive so quickly that they have impaled their swords into the ocean bottom up to their eyes. Although there are no reports of unprovoked attacks on humans, swordfish can be very dangerous when harpooned. They have run their swords through the planking of small boats when hurt.

The European Carp - Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus

On the first day of April 2008, Vietnam Post released the stamp series features the European Carp or the common Carp, also known as Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus. The issue stamp consist of 4 postage stamps with different denomination.

The European Carp can be recognized by its small eyes, thick lips with two barbels at each corner of the mouth, large scales and strongly serrated spines in the dorsal and anal fins. The color is variable, but often olive green to silvery grey dorsally, fading to silvery yellow on the belly.

The European Carp are reported to grow to over one meter in length, and 60 kg in weight.Inhabit warm, deep, slow-flowing and still waters such as lowland rivers and large, well vegetated lakes .

Migrator Fishes of Portugal

 

On 07.04.2011 Portugal Post has issued the stamp series of migrator fishes in two miniature sheet and four single stamps.The migrator fishes are called Diadromous and are classified in two group: Anadromous fish (live mostly in the ocean and breed in the rivers) and Catadromous fish (live in fresh water and breed in the ocean). They migrate from the ocean to the river or reverse during their life cycle.Most of these fish are threatened by extinction.

In Portugal, the main threats are posed by the construction of obstacles to the migration routes (such as dams and dikes), destruction of spawning grounds, overfishing, illegal fishing and widespread pollution.

The disappearance of these species is a major loss for the aquatic biodiversity, with both economic, gastronomic and cultural consequences.

To solve this condition, the action plans have been  implementing such as to  improve the quality of the aquatic habitats, ensure the continuity of the rivers, rehabilitate the natural breeding grounds, control pollution and gravel removal, re-establish the natural hydrologic systems and carry out a sustainable fishing management.  

ANADROMOUS FISH

 

Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar

Atlantic Salmon is a species of fish in the family Salmonidae, which is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean and in rivers that flow into the north Atlantic and (due to human introduction) the north Pacific.Also commercially known as bay salmon, black salmon, caplin-scull salmon, fiddler, grilse, grilt, kelt, landlocked salmon, ouananiche, outside salmon, parr, Sebago salmon, silver salmon, slink, smolt, spring salmon or winnish.

This species’ situation is critical, with less than 250 individuals, most of which consist of a subpopulation of the Minho River.Salmons hatch in the rivers where they remain for roughly two years. They migrate to the ocean and when they reach their sexual maturity they return to the rivers to breed, to the same place where they were born.

 

Shad, Alosa alosa

The shad, which is an endangered species, can be found in Portugal in the hydrographic basins of the Minho, Vouga, Mondego (that holds the biggest subpopulation), Tagus, Guadiana rivers and, occasionally, in the Douro River.

The juveniles migrate down the rivers to the estuaries, where they grow and mature. At a later stage they migrate to the ocean, where they remain feeding on plankton, returning to the rivers to breed.

 

River lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis

This is a critically endangered species; in Portugal it can be found in the hydrographic basins of the Douro, Vouga, Mondego, Lis, Ribeiras do Oeste, Tagus and Sado Rivers.

It is a very primitive fish, with a simple cartilaginous skeleton and a toothed, cupping shaped mouth that enables it to feed on the blood of other animals. The adults spawn in fresh water, on the bottom of the rivers, dying shortly afterwards. The juveniles migrate downriver to the estuaries and later out into the ocean where they complete their growth.

CATADROMOUS FISH

European eel, Anguilla anguilla

This endangered species can be found in all the hydrographic basins of the Portuguese Mainland and in the coastal zones of the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira; it hunts during the night and feeds on crabs, crayfish, molluscs, amphibians and fish eggs. The European Eel spawns in the Sargasso Sea, Northwest of the Caribbean. The larvae cross the ocean in the opposite direction, towards continental waters and complete their maturity in the European rivers, and later, when it is time to breed, they migrate back into the ocean.

 

 
Thin-lipped grey mullet, Liza ramada

This species, that is highly adaptable to the variation in salinity, can be found abundantly along the whole Atlantic coast. They move around in large shoals, in coastal waters, estuaries, lakes and rivers where they feed on algae, invertebrates and waste.

At the end of spring the adults and juveniles migrate upriver to freshwater environments. In the fall the adults return to the ocean to breed. The next generation of juveniles enter the estuaries by the end of winter.

 

Flounder, Platichthys flesus

Present along the whole Portuguese coast, particularly north of the Tagus River, the founder can be found along the littoral shore down to depths of 80 meters; it lives on sandy or muddy bottoms, feeding on small fish and invertebrate. When they reach sexual maturity (four years in the case of the females or three years in the case of the males), they migrate to the ocean to breed, in the winter and beginning of spring. The juveniles enter the estuary in the spring and beginning of the summer.(Resources: Portugal Post, Wikipedia.)

Mandarin Goby

On June 1, 2010, the Marshall Islands Postal Service issued a new stamp featuring the Mandarin Goby. Part of a family of fish known as dragonets, the spectacular Mandarin Goby, also known as the Mandarin fish, possesses a scale less body covered with an intricate pattern of many hues.

The Mandarin Goby, has the latin name is  Synchiropus splendidus, is a small, brightly-colored member of the dragonet family, which is popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. The mandarin fish is native to the Pacific, ranging approximately from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia.In the Marshall Islands, where several species of Mandarin fish live, these attractive creatures inhabit the islands' plethora of shallow lagoons and inshore reefs.

The Mandarin Goby's name comes from its brilliantly vivid colours, evoking the robes of an Imperial Chinese mandarin. Its unique coloration makes this fish a very popular addition to private aquariums throughout the world, although its finicky eating habits can make it difficult to keep. It feeds primarily on small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Mandarin Goby are reef dwellers, preferring sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs. While they are slow-moving and fairly common within their range, they are not easily seen due to their bottom-feeding habit and their small size (reaching only about 6 cm).

Technorati Tags: mandarin goby,marshall Islands

Tropical Fish II

On June 24, 2008, the Marshall Islands Postal Service issues two new stamps each on its own sheet featuring colourful Tropical Fish, the Threadfin Butterflyfish and the Copperband Butterflyfish. Featuring artwork by noted artist Gordon Drummond.

The US$ .42 stamp shown the Threadfin Butterflyfish .The Threadfin Butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga, is a species of butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae). It is found in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and eastern Africa  to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa Iti, at depths of between 1 and 35 m.Length is up to 23 cm. Chaetodon auriga has a neck patch of ascending and a belly patch of descending oblique dark lines.

The US$ .27 stamp shown the  Copperband Butterflyfish. The Copperband Butterflyfish, or Chelmon rostratus, also commonly called the Beak Coralfish, is found in reefs in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This butterflyfish is one of the three species in the genus Chelmon, all being known for having longer beaks.These fish are easily identified by the yellow banding and long snout, juveniles being similar to adults. They grow up to 20 cm in length.Found at depths of 1-25 metres either singly or in pairs, forming monogamous pairs during breeding. They are usually found on coral reefs or rocky shorelines, and also in estuaries and silty inner reefs. This species is territorial and oviparous

LiveJournal Tags: tropical fish,Marshall Islands,threadfin butterflyfish,Copperband butterflyfish

Endangered Fishes of Macedonia

On Febraury 28, 2007, Macedonia Post issued the stamp series depicts the endangered fishes of Macedonia, Cobitis vardarensis, Chondrostoma vardarense, Barbus macedonicus, Zingel balcanicus, and Leuciscus cephalus-Chub .

Cobitis vardarensis is a species of ray-finned fish in the Cobitidae family.The range of distribution is Aegean Sea basin, from Pinios to Gallikos drainages(Greece, Macedonia).

Their habitat are still waters of lakes, oxbows and backwaters, rarely in flowing water. On mud to silt bottom.The population is very abundant.

Chondrostoma vardarense is a species of ray-finned fish in the Cyprinidae family. It is found in Bulgaria,FYROM, Greece, the Republic of Macedonia, and Turkey. Its natural habitat is rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.

It is restricted to eastern Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. It inhabits the following river basins: Aoos, Pinios, Aliakmon, Axios (Vardar), Strymon, Nestos and Evros.

It lives in all sized rivers in fast to strong currents. It is, however, declining and it is suspected that the future impact of dams and sedimentation may result in close to a 30% decline in the next 10 years. On this basis of suspected future population decline the species is assessed as Near Threatened.

Barbus macedonicus is a species of ray-finned fish in the Cyprinidae family. It is found only in rivers in northern Greece and the Republic of Macedonia.

Its status is insufficiently known.Although this species has a small range living in rivers where there is habitat destruction, water extraction and pollution there are currently insufficient data to determine the impacts of the known threat to the species.

Range of distribution are restricted to the Axios and Pinios river basins in Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the Loudias and Aliakmon river basins in Greece.

Zingel balcanicus is a species of fish in the Percidae family. It is found in Greece and Macedonia. Its natural habitat is rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Leuciscus cephalus-Chub

The European chub (Squalius cephalus), sometimes called the round chub, fat chub, chevin, pollard or simply "the" chub, is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. It frequents both slow and moderate rivers as well as canals and still waters of various kinds in Europe.This species synonym with Leuciscus cephalus-Chub

European chub are popular with anglers due to their readiness to feed, and thus to be caught, in almost any conditions.Small chub are freely-biting fish which even inexperienced anglers find easy to catch.

Technorati Tags: Macedonia. Fishes,Endangered fishes,Cobitis vardarensis,Chondrostoma vardarense,Barbus macedonicus,Zingel balcanicus,Leuciscus cephalus-Chub .

Fishes of Armenia

Armenia Post issued the sixth series of flora and fauna on year 2000 and feature the endangered fishes species, Salmo Ischchan gegarkuni and Barbus goktschaicus.

Salmo Ischchan gegarkuni is endemic to Lake Sevan. It is a medium sized fish with silver scales, big black, sometimes orange or light pink spots. Ischchan has 4 biotypes: S.i. ischchan, S.i. gegarkuni, S.i. anilewski, S.i. aestivalis. The gegarkuni has a sharp chin and fusiform body. By length reaches 40cm, weight 400-600gram.

Barbus goktschaicus is endemic to Lake Sevan. The fish has a fusiform body with black spots. The length varies between 8 to 30cm, weight is up to 500gram. There are two pairs of barbels around the mouth, the dorsal flipper has a stiff ray. It is hard to catch. These rare endangered species are included in the Red Book of Armenia.

Pet Animals on Malta’s Stamps

Pet Animals are animals kept for companionship and enjoyment or a household animal, as opposed to wild animals or to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic or productive reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. Mostly dogs have known as "therapy animals" . Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.People most commonly get pets for companionship, to protect a home or property, or because of the beauty of the animals.In many locations, animals that are considered pets by their owners but are legally classified as livestock, including horses, pigs, camelids, and fowl may be banned from being kept within the city limits or restricted to property of a certain larger size.

Regards to the human habits, Malta post has issued a miniature sheet featured the pet animals such as horse, dog, cat, fish , turtle, bird, rabbit, hamster or others mammals.

The Protected Fishes of Croatia

Croatia Post Office has issued the one set of 3 stamps featured species of the Protected Fish on the first of September 2009. The species are the Adriatic Sturgeon on 3.50 of value, the Visovac Goby on 5.00 of value, and the Danubian Bream on 5.00 of value.

The Adriatic Sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii Bonaparte)

The Adriatic Sturgeon is an endemic species of the Adriatic Sea and the sub-Adriatic rivers. Its habitats are the rivers of northern Italy and in Croatia it is found in the river mouths of the rivers flowing into the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Sturgeon is a demersal species inhabiting freshwater, brackish water and seawaters of the Adriatic. It lives in the sea, at places with silty or sandy bottom. It mostly stays close to the river mouths, up to a depth of 40 m, although it sometimes goes deeper.

Its body is elongated and spindle-shaped and is not covered with scales but with bony plates or scutes, extending along the body in five rows.Their back is olive-green and brown, the sides are lighter in colour and their belly is white. The top of the head is a projecting wedge-shaped snout, broad and relatively short, and with the rounded tip. The Adriatic Sturgeon has a subterminal moth (mouth posterior to the tip of the snout). The dorsal fin is located far on the back and the caudal fin is asymmetric (heterocercal).

The Adriatic Sturgeon feeds on invertebrates from the bottom and small fishes. The Adriatic Sturgeon is an anadromous species: it lives in the sea and migrates to fresh water (rivers) to breed. It is a long-living species that grows slowly.The Adriatic Sturgeon may grow up to 2000 mm in length and reach the weight of 25 kg, although it is usually considerably smaller.

The Adriatic Sturgeon is threatened by the pollution of watercourses and partition of rivers, which prevents their migrations and the overfishing of still growing fishes.Pursuant to the existing protection based on the law, the Adriatic Sturgeon is a strictly protected species.

The Visovac Goby (Knipowitschia mrakovcici Miller)

The Visovac Goby occurs only in Croatia, in Visovac Lake on the Krka river. This fish was discovered and recognised it as a new species in 1989. The Visovac Goby has the elongated body and laterally flattened to the tail. There are few scales, only on the sides and the tail. Males are slightly bigger and heavier than females on average and have more than 10 transversal stripes on the sides. Dimorphism is very visible during the spawning season, when the males have darker heads and fins. The Visovac Goby can reach 45 mm in length. The Visovac Goby feeds on nutrients found on the bottom, mostly small water invertebrates. Its life span is short. The Visovac Goby is a demersal, freshwater fish inhabiting the silty, sandy and gravel bottom of Visovac Lake on the Krka river. It has a small movement range.They have limitation of their habitat.

The Visovac Goby belongs to the category of endangered species ,due to sensitive to eutrofication, i.e. the quantity of nutrients in the water, pollution and all other changes in its habitat. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is Endangered (EN) in Croatia. Pursuant to the existing protection based on the law, the Visovac Goby is a strictly protected species.

The Danubian Bream (Ballerus sapa )

The Danubian Bream inhabits big lowland rivers, estuaries and backwaters.They live in schools and are more active during the night. Its habitats in Croatia include the rivers flowing into the Danube: the Sava, the Drava and the Danube itself, as well as its bigger tributaries.Its favourite spawning locations are more peaceful places in rivers with thick aquatic plants.

The body of the Danubian Bream is laterally flattened and relatively high. The most conspicuous on its small head is the size of the eyes. The mouth is small and semi-inferior. The back is dark blue to greenish and the sides and the belly is silver. The anal fin is extremely long and extends to the tail and its base is three times longer than the base of the dorsal fin. The length of the anal fin covers one third of the body length. The outer edge may be darker. The Danubian Bream usually reaches the length of 15 to 25 cm, or maximum 40 cm, and the mass of approximately 1 kg.

The Danubian Bream is endangered by partitions, regulation and channelling of water streams, as well as by their pollution.Pursuant to the existing protection based on the law, the Danubian Bream is a strictly protected species.

Fresh water Fish of Vietnam

Vietnam Post  has issued the stamp set features fresh-water fish in 7 (seven) pieces of different value stamps. The depicted species  are Brachy danio rerio, Trichogester trichopterus, Macropodus opercularis, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, Hyphessobrycon serpae, Labeo bicolor, and Betta splendens on 1984.

Brachy danio rerio or the zebra- fish, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It is a popular aquarium fish, with the trade name zebra danio. The zebra fish is native to the streams of the southeastern Himalayan region, including the countries Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. The fish has horizontal blue stripes on the side of the body extended to the end of the caudal fin. Its shape is fusiform and laterally compressed, with its mouth directed upwards.
Brachy danio rerio can grow to 6.4 centimetres .Life-span in captivity is around 2–3 years, although in ideal conditions, may extend to 5 years. Brachy danio rerio are hardy fish and considered good for beginner aquarists. Brachy danio rerio is omnivorous and primarily eats zooplankton, insects and insect larvae, and phytoplankton. Most of them accept common food flakes and tubifex worms in the aquarium.

Trichogaster trichopterus or The three spot gourami, , is a labyrinth fish. The natural coloration of this fish gets its name from the two spots along each side of its body in line with the eye, considered the third spot. These fish live in marshes, swamps, canals, and lowland wetlands. Trichogaster trichopterus are endemic to the Mekong basin in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam and Yunnan in Asia. They migrate during the flood season from permanent water bodies to flooded areas, such as seasonally flooded forests in the middle and lower Mekong. These fish is an omnivore, feed on zooplankton, crustaceans and insect larvae.

Macropodus opercularis or the paradise fish or paradise gouramis, are small freshwater labyrinth fish found in ditches and paddy fields in East Asia, ranging from the Korean Peninsula to Northern Vietnam. Macropodus opercularis are fairly combative, harassing and attacking each other as well as potentially killing small fish. In the wild, they are predators, eating insects, invertebrates and fish fry. 

These small fish (about 10 cm) are ideal lone inhabitants of aquariums. This species is one of the few fish that can change its colour (lighter or darker) in response to stimuli. Sexing is easy as males are more colourful and have longer fins compared to the females. Macropodus opercularis are tolerant of virtually any water conditions, surviving in cool and warm waters alike.

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi or the black tetra is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. It is native to the Paraguay and Guaporé River basins of southern Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Growing to about 6 cm total length, the black tetra has a roughly tetragonal body shape and is greyish in colour, fading from light at the nose to near black at the tail. Two prominent black vertical bars appear just posterior of the gills. It is a schooling fish, and requires at least 6 in a group. Gymnocorymbus ternetzi is an omnivore and will eat nearly anything it if can fit into its mouth. It will live in warm water 26 degrees C, needs soft, acid water, pH 6.5-6.8, with plenty of plants.

Hyphessobrycon Serpae or Serpae tetras are one species of the genus Hyphessobrycon. These South American tropical characids are popular aquarium fishes, often identified as Red Minor tetras. They are found in nature in the Madeira and Guaporé regions of the Amazon river, and in upper Paraguay. 

Hyphessobrycon Serpae prefer water temperatures ranging from 22-26°C. They will show off their best colours in soft, neutral to slightly acidic water. They thrive in large groups and should be kept in schools of at least 6-10 fish. The males are usually more slim and smaller than females.

Labeo bicolor or The Red-tailed black shark , is a species of fresh-water fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae. It is currently extinct in the wild, but common in aquaria, where it is prized for its deep black body and vivid red or orange tail. The species was endemic to Thailand, and was formerly found in the Chao Phraya basin, but is now extinct in the wild. Typically females will have a slightly grayish hue, while males are pure black.

Betta splendens or called the Siamese fighting fish, is a popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. Also known as the betta and simply as the fighter. The wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand and Cambodia and are called "Fighting Fish “in Thai. It has nicknamed "The Jewel of the Orient" due to their beauty and wide range of colours. The natural coloration of Beta splendens is a dull green and brown, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. 

However, brilliantly coloured and longer finned varieties have been developed through selective breeding. Betta splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 5 cm and lives approximately 2–5 years in captivity. Betta splendens has upturned mouths and is primarily carnivorous surface feeders, although some vegetable matter may be eaten. The male betta will flare his gills, twist his body, and spread his fins, if interested in the female.

Second posting of queen trigger fish.

These stamps series of Barbados clearly depicted the Queen Triggerfish as known " Old Wife " fish. How a vivid coloured fish and beautiful, but this species categorized as protected animal.

Queen Triggerfish from Barbados

Barbados Post collaborated with WWF issued the stamp set about Trigger fish which known in Barbados as Old Wife, one of the preferred reef fish species.

Trigger fish mainly found in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, commonly found in a near-shore habitats like coral refs, coral rubble and sea grass beds in depth around 275 m. This fish specifically have large coloured body and powerful, with the eyes set high on the forehead. It is an excited coloured fish with a yellow head, body colour varies from purple, blue to green and can pale or darken to match its surroundings. The dorsal and anal fins are tinted in blue.They feed mainly animals living on the seafloor (worms, crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters, and sea urchins).

Fighting Fish of Thailand.

Thailand Post has been issued fighting  fish stamp set, depicted betta imbellis, and betta splendens.
They called as fighting fish because was collected for game of fish fighting. Beside as fighting fish they also collected as beauty fish in the fresh water aquarium.

Betta imbellis, also known as the Crescent Betta or Peacefull betta is a freshwater ray-finned fish in the gourami family. This species is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. The left side of above picture shown betta imbellis fish, meanwhile the right side shown betta splendens fish.

Betta splendens, also known as the betta is a popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. It usually grows to an overall length of about 6.0 centimetres, though some varieties reach 8.0 centimetres in length. On average, males are more aggressive. Siamese fighting fish will even respond aggressively to their own reflections in a mirror; use of a mirror avoids the risk of physical damage inherent in actual conflict, although it can lead to stress in some individuals.Siamese fighting fish has upturned mouths and is primarily carnivorous surface feeders. In the wild, they feed on zooplankton and the larvae of mosquitoes and other insects, such as flies, crickets, or grasshoppers.

Betta splendens

This species have affectionately nicknamed "The Jewel of the Orient" due to their beauty and wide range of colours which are produced through selective breeding. Wild fish only exhibit strong colours when agitated. However, breeders have been able to make this coloration permanent, and a wide variety of hues breed true.
The fish is a member of the gourami family (family Osphronemiae) of order Perciformes. The name of the genus is derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect of Thailand. The wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand and Cambodia and are called Siamese fighting fish.