Ascension : SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE - WWF – ANGELFISH – 23rd MARCH 2007
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 29.03.2007 (Article Archived on 12.04.2007)

Centropyge resplendens - Resplendent Pygmy Angelfish. Common Name: Resplendent Angelfish

Slightly less than 100 species of inshore fish are recorded from Ascension, which is low for a tropical island and seems to reflect Ascension’s isolated position and lack of habitat diversity.  Over 30% of these species are known only from Ascension or Ascension and St Helena.

Among the species, is the tiny, (about 2 – 6cm), very pretty, metallic blue Resplendent Angelfish.  It is a very distinctive fish, with a yellow strip running from the tip of the nose and mouth, across the upper dorsal and onto its tail.  It also has a very bright blue line running along the edge of its fins.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has placed the Resplendent Angelfish on its Red List of Threatened Animals.  It is the only Marine Angelfish species on this list.  While it is common in Ascension’s coastal waters its population size is considered vulnerable with the definite possibility of sudden extinction due to the fact that it is restricted to just one tiny island locality.

To raise awareness of the status of this little blue fish, the Post Office will on Friday, 23 March 2007, release a set of four postage stamps.  With the authorisation of the WWF each stamp carries the Panda logo.  A story of the endemic Resplendent Angelfish is contained in a full colour illustrative leaflet which is on display at the Post Office.  A copy of the leaflet is also enclosed in each official first day cover.

  or you may fax an order to us on + 247 6583 or write to us at the following address: Philatelic Bureau, Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean, ASCN 1ZZ.

I I Henry

Post Office

Ascension Island Government