Skip to main content

Overview

The reef at Emily Bay, Norfolk Island is a popular spot for snorkelling, due to its clear water and an abundance of fish species. The most predominant family in terms of individual species are wrasses (Labridae).

Wrasses are a large family of fish that inhabit coral reefs and other temperate waters. They are often brightly coloured. As each wrasse species has differing colour patterns across male, female and (sometimes) juvenile, from 17 wrasse species in the reef there are almost 50 spectacular colour variations.

The stamps in this issue are illustrated by renowned painter, naturalist and zoologist Roger Swainston.

Products released in this issue

  • Minisheet
  • First day cover (blank, gummed, minisheet)

Technical specifications

Issue date30 April 2018
Withdrawal date31 October 2018
Denomination1 x $1, 1 x $2
Stamp  designRoger Swainston, Anima
Product designSonia Young
PrinterRA Printing
Paper gummedTullis Russell Red phosphor
Printing processOffset lithography
Stamp size (mm)37.5mm x 26mm
Minisheet size (mm)135 mmx 80mm
Perforations13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layoutModule of 50 
FDI postmarkNorfolk Island NSW 2899
FDI withdrawal date

29 May 2018

Stamps in this issue

60c Royal Christening 2013
60c Royal Christening 2013

Norfolk Island Surge Wrasse

Surge Wrasse

The $1 stamp features the vividly coloured adult male Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum).

$1.00
60c Royal Christening 2013
60c Royal Christening 2013

Norfolk Island Luculent Wrasse

Luculent Wrasse

The $2 stamp features the striking orange-red Luculent Wrasse (Pseudolabrus luculentus).

$2.00

Related stamp issues

  • Issue date: 18 May 2021

    Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Reef Manta Ray

  • Issue date: 14 July 2020

    Norfolk Island Ocean Oddities

  • Issue date: 14 March 2019

    Sustainable Fish

  • Issue date: 30 April 2018

    Norfolk Island Wrasses

View all stamps

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