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Overview

The warm waters around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are frequented by a great range of marine life, including the Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi). Found in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific, this spectacular ray reaches up to five metres in width.

Unique belly markings are used to identify individual rays, and there have been 72 reef manta rays identified around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with 12 individuals seen more than once. As the name suggests, this ray is generally seen in reefs close to shore but may venture out to depth to feed on zooplankton, the tiny, microscopic animals found in the water column. The female gives birth to one or sometimes two pups after a gestation period of around 12 months.

The Reef Manta Ray is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Technical specifications

Issue date18 May 2021
Issue withdrawal date30 November 2021
Denominations$1.10 x 2, $2.20 x 2
Stamp designJo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Product designJo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper - gummedTullis Russell Red Phos
PrinterRA Printing
Printer (minisheet)Ego
Printing processOffset lithography
Stamp size37.5 x 26
Minisheet size (mm)135 x 26
Perforations13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layoutModule of 50
FDI postmarkCocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799
FDI withdrawal date16 June 2021

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – group of three
$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – group of three

CKI Manta Ray stamp_01_400

Reef Manta Ray – group of three

The Reef Manta Ray has triangular pectoral fins, horn-shaped cephalic fins and a large, forward-facing mouth. Pictured in this stamp design is a group of three rays. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$1.10
$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – ventral view
$1.10 Reef Manta Ray – ventral view

CKI Manta Ray stamp_01_400

Reef Manta Ray – ventral view

The Reef Manta Ray’s ventral surface is generally white, with dark spots and blotches, as pictured in this stamp design. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$1.10
$2.20 Reef Manta Ray – dark dorsal view
$2.20 Reef Manta Ray – dark dorsal view

CKI Manta Ray stamp_01_400

Reef Manta Ray – dark dorsal view

The colour of the Reef Manta Ray’s dorsal side is dark grey or black with white areas near the top of the head. This stamp design showcases a Reef Manta Ray with dark dorsal colouring. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$2.20
$2.20 Reef Manta Ray – black-and-white dorsal view
$2.20 Reef Manta Ray – black-and-white dorsal view

CKI Manta Ray stamp_01_400

Reef Manta Ray – black-and-white dorsal view

This stamp design features a Reef Manta Ray with black and white colouring on the dorsal side. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

$2.20

Shop our stamp collectables

  • Set of Reef Manta Ray Gummed Stamps

    Set of Reef Manta Ray Gummed Stamps

    This set of stamps contains all four stamps from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray stamp issue.

  • Reef Manta Ray Minisheet

    Reef Manta Ray Minisheet

    The Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray minisheet consists of the four stamps from the issue incorporated into a miniature stamp sheet.

  • Gutter Strip of 10x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Group of Three Stamps

    Gutter Strip of 10x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Group of Three Stamps

    The gutter strip consists of 10 x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Group of Three stamps from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray stamp issue.

  • Gutter Strip of 10x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Ventral View Stamps

    Gutter Strip of 10x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Ventral View Stamps

    The gutter strip consists of 10 x $1.10 Reef Manta Ray - Ventral View stamps from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray stamp issue.

Additional products:

  • Gutter Strip of 10x $2.20 Reef Manta Ray - Dark Dorsal View Stamps

  • Gutter Strip of 10x $2.20 Reef Manta Ray - Black-and-White Dorsal View Stamps

  • Pictorial Envelope for the Reef Manta Ray Stamp Issue

  • First Day Reef Manta Ray Gummed Stamps Cover

  • First Day Reef Manta Ray Minisheet Cover

This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.

Related stamp issues

  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Dolphins

    Issue date: 17 May 2016

    Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Dolphins

  • AAT: East Antarctic Deep Sea Creatures

    Issue date: 07 March 2017

    AAT: East Antarctic Deep Sea Creatures

  • Reef Safari

    Issue date: 01 August 2018

    Reef Safari

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