Shells are the outer skeletons of soft-bodied molluscs, although “mollusc” now denotes both the animal and the outer shell in combination. Vanuatu Post has focused on twelve hard-shell specimens in this issue, to highlight the importance of shells in the marine environment, and in particular those that inhabit the reefs and shallow coastal waters of the archipelago. Molluscs belong to the phylum Mollusca which is divided into six classes – Amphineura (chitons), Monoplacophora (gastroverms or limpet-like shells), Scaphopoda (tusk shells), Gastropoda (limpets, whelks etc), Bivalvia (cockles, mussels, clams etc) and Cephalopoda (squid, nautilus etc).

Reproduction varies greatly from group to group, with sexes separate in most molluscs and fertilisation being the most common form of increasing numbers. Feeding is generally by taking in microscopic vegetable or animal particles that are suspended in water or lying on or just below the sea floor. Locomotion is via the muscular foot, which enables the mollusc to crawl, glide, burrow or plough. In some classes swimming is the method used.
The warm, clear waters of Vanuatu are ideal for the shells illustrated to thrive, and the coral reefs provide an environment, which has plenty of food. The shells are colourful through pigmentation at the mantle secretion stage and can vary greatly. Those found in tropical waters tend to be more colourful than those in colder waters. Distribution is controlled by elements of climate, temperature, currents and water depth.

The reef shells of Vanuatu are both beautiful and fascinating. They defy the laws of design and make the underwater landscape a more interesting and stimulating place to visit. It is this environment that must be preserved and these items of intrigue and beauty must not be over-collected, nor their habitat damaged, if we are to appreciate them in the future.

Shells of the Reef

Collectors Notes: For more information please contact: Designer: Denise Durkin, Wellington, New Zealand   The Manager, Philatelic Bureau, Vanuatu Post, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Tel. + 678 22000, Fax + 678 23900 E mail: vanuatupost@vanuatu.com.vu Photographer: Rob Marshall, Wellington, New Zealand Printer: Wyatt and Wilson, Christchurch, New Zealand Process: Offset Litho Sheetlet Size: 190mm x 140mm Stamp Size: 42.27 mm x 30.23mm, 12 horizontal self adhesives Perforation Gauge:: Simulated Denominations: 12 stamps x 35 vatu (sheetlet value 420 vatu). Paper: Stamp grade self adhesive paper Period of Sale: 8 February, 2006 for a period of 2 years