Seychelles 50 Rupees 1978

History

50 Rupees 1978, KM# 39, Seychelles, Conservation, Squirrelfish

Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions

Description

The longspine squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) is a silvery-red sea fish adorned with orange-gold stripes. Among the 150 species of squirrelfish, it is notable for its large eyes and the long third spine of its anal fin. This species, reaching about 18 cm (7.8 inches) in length, is often featured in public aquariums. It inhabits coral reefs in tropical and warm temperate waters, feeding on zoobenthos. Territorial by nature, it communicates using "grunts" and "staccatos" to defend its territory, alert others to danger, and deter predators like moray eels. The longspine squirrelfish is also edible and harvested on a small scale.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Sailfish, Turtle, tortoise Coat of arms Seychelles Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below. The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work"). REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS · 1978 ·
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Squirrelfish Nature (hill, river etc.) Coral reef Depicts a group of squirrel fish with a coral reefs, value below. 50 RUPEES
Edge	Reeded (milled)