Underwater World

Mint, used or cancelled se-tenant block of four 40c stamps.

The individual stamps in this set were:

Moonfish (Lampris guttatus).

This unusual-looking, disc-shaped fish grows up to 1.5 metres in diameter. Its crimson fins and large eyes rimmed with gold would lead many to think it was tropical, yet it lives many miles offshore in the surface waters of warm and temperate seas.

Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus).

This formidable shark is one of the fastest fish in the sea. Although it grows on average to around 2.8 metres and 180 kg for the female, and 1.9 metres and 56 kg for the male, makos have been clocked travelling at up to 56 kph!

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares).

Yellowfin tuna grow up to 180 kg and can be found in New Zealand waters over the summer. The most famous place to catch yellowfin in New Zealand is 'the tuna capital of New Zealand', Whakatāne, on the North Island's east coast.

Giant squid (Genus architeuthis).

The giant squid is a true creature of legend, with no live specimen ever having been caught. They are said to grow up to 18 metres long, to have a beak powerful enough to cut through steel cable, and to be strong enough to kill a small whale with their eight arms and two tentacles. 

Mint, used or cancelled se-tenant block of four 80c stamps.

The individual stamps in this set were:

Porcupine fish (Allomycterus jaculiferus).

This fish is both prickly and deadly. It is protected on the outside by spines of up to 2 cm which it can cause to protrude by filling itself with water when threatened. The porcupine fish also carries the poison TTX (tetradotoxin) in its systems, which can be deadly to humans.

Striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax).

New Zealand game anglers have sought the striped marlin ever since 1915 when a 105 kg specimen was caught in the Bay of Islands. Their fighting power is legendary. In addition to spectacular leaps, striped marlin also have extraordinary speed being able to travel at up to 80 kph!

Eagle ray (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus).

The eagle ray is one of more than 20 species of ray found in New Zealand. When disturbed, the eagle ray escapes by flapping its pointed wings and 'flying' underwater. It's only defence is a barb at the base of its tail which contains a tissue necrotic toxin.

Sandager's wrasse (Coris sandageri).

Young Sandager's wrasse are small and cream with a striking yellow band down the length of their body. However, they change dramatically as they approach adulthood. Adult females have a creamy body, broad fawn strokes and light splashes of lemon markings. Males become a tapestry of brown, yellow and white strokes across a fawn or mauve body, with purple and turquoise colouring around the head.