Chunghwa Post has previously released “Corals of Taiwan” stamp sets on January 8, 2014 and September 10, 2015. Now it is following up with a new set of four stamps. The designs follow:1. Euphyllia ancora (NT$3.5): This dome-shaped stony coral has the common English name of hammer coral. Its body surface is densely covered with tentacles, which have kidney- or crescent-shaped tips that are extended both day and night. Living colonies demonstrate great variation in color and are most often dark green, dark olive or slate blue. The tips of its tentacles are most commonly beige or green. This species of coral is widely distributed throughout coral reefs in Taiwan’s waters.2. Fungia (Pleuractis) taiwanensis (NT$5): This species of coral is irregularly oval or elongated and can reach a length of 30 centimeters. A large central fossa is surrounded by many smaller mouths. Living specimens are brown, with small tentacles that are white or transparent. Endemic to Taiwan, it is a “free-living species of coral,” meaning it is not attached to any substrate. It is found in the coral reefs of Kenting and Little Liuqiu. 3. Scleronephthya gracillimum (NT$10): This species of soft coral demonstrates a great range of extension. When fully extended, it is bush-like in shape, with numerous small branches and a height of rarely more than 10 centimeters. When retracted, it becomes a clump of cone-shaped fleshy tissue. The coral body is extremely colorful, most often orange but sometimes golden yellow, pink or green. The species can be found in all the coral reefs surrounding Taiwan. 4. Anella mollis (NT$15): A sea fan (gorgonian), Anella mollis branches in a fan-like shape with a dichotomous branching pattern. Living specimens are orange or yellowish gray. Sea lilies, brittle stars or bivalves can often be found living among colonies of this coral. One can find Anella mollis in all coral reefs in Taiwan’s waters.
(1) First Day Cover: NT$2 apiece(2) Folder (with or without mount): NT$5 apiece(3) Loose-leaf album page: NT$8 apiece(4) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with one NT$3.5-denominated stamp: NT$5.5 apiece(5) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with a complete set of stamps: NT$35.5 apieceTo purchase the relative philatelic products, please go directly to the post office branches, or order on line at https://stamp.post.gov.tw.