Overview
Australia has more than 300 species of native freshwater fish, of which between 60 and 90 species are in danger of extinction. They have evolved over millions of years to survive in particular environments, but many will be lost forever within a single human lifetime.
The main threats are climate change, bushfires, drought, air and water pollution, introduced predatory fish or translocated native fish, and the blocking or diversion of waterways. Scientists and conservationists are making efforts to save some of the most endangered species, by protecting and restoring their habitat, and by captive-breeding and release programs.
The stamps feature three species of freshwater fishes, each swimming in its typical habitat. The minisheet features the Little Pygmy Perch Nannoperca pygmaea from Western Australia, which is possibly Australia’s rarest freshwater fish.
It is hoped that this stamp issue will raise public awareness of the dire situation of these unique animals and their habitats.
Technical specifications
- Issue date
- 20 May 2025
- Issue withdrawal date
- 1 December 2025
- Denomination
- 3 x $1.50
- Stamp & product design
- Jo Mure, Australia Post Design Studio
- Illustration
- Dr Lindsay Marshall, Stick Figure Fish Illustration
- Paper: gummed
- Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phosphor / Blue PVA Stamp Paper
- Printer: gummed
- EGO Print
- Printing process
- Offset lithography
- Stamp size (mm)
- 26 x 37.5
- Minisheet size (mm)
- 135 x 80
- Perforations
- 13.86 x 14.5
- Sheet layout
- Module of 50 (2 x 25)
- FDI postmark
- Aramac, Qld 4726
- FDI withdrawal date
- 18 June 2025
$1.50 Running River Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sp. nov.
Running River Rainbowfish was found between two gorges in the Running River, north of Townsville in Queensland. It has only recently been identified as a distinct species.
$1.50 Redfin Blue Eye Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis
The tiny Redfin Blue Eye, one of Australia’s smallest freshwater fishes, lives in just a few ancient springs rising from the Great Artesian Basin, on a just one property in central Queensland. It is one of Earth’s 100 most endangered species.
$1.50 Swan Galaxias Galaxias fontanus
Eastern Tasmania’s Swan Galaxias survives in a few isolated trout-free tributaries of the Swan and Macquarie river catchments. It is included in the Federal Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan 2022–2032.
