The Comoro Islands

The first Coelacanth found off this archipelago, the second since Latimeria chalumnae (East London - 1938) was discovered by Capt. Eric Hunt on 20 December 1952. Up to an estimated 200 specimans have been caught to date from around these Islands.

40f - Coelacanth Issued in 1950 This is the first postage stamp issued, depicting a coelacanth.

POSTAGE DUE STAMPS 1954 Coelacanth

In 1972, a joint Royal Society French/British/American expedition visits the Comoros and fishes unsuccessfully for coelacanths. They do however obtain specimens on hand, and film a coelacanth caught by a local fisherman dying in ahastily established tank.

Issued in 1973 : Air Mail Surcharge of 120f on 90f Overprinted on the top value of the 1968 fish issue (Yellow-banded Sweetlips)

In 1975-76, the Steinhart Aquarium of San Francisco sent two expeditions to capture a live coelacanth. They are unsuccessful, but an important monograph on the coelacanth is published by the California Academy of Sciences as a result of the project.

Coelacanth Expedition Coelacanth and a skin diver Issued in 1975

Coelacanth Expedition Coelacanth and a skin diver: Overprinted " ETAT COMORIEN" Issued in 1975

This miniature sheet, depicting a coelacanth, was issued by Comore Islands in 1977 and is the highest value, 500F, in a set of seven. The other six stamps are of other varieties of fish.

This sheetlet, depicting four Coelacanths, was issued by Comore Islands on 20 July 1998 and bears the logo of the World Wildlife Fund.