Underwater Photography

The Story of the Stamps

The creatures featured have been selected by local marine experts in order to best display the diverse range of underwater wildlife found on the Isle of Man.

Jewel Anemone Corynactis Viridis

These small but colourful anemones form large congregations on rocky walls and over hangs in areas of high tidal movement where they use their tentacles to catch organic particles in the water. One anemone has around 100 tentacles, each with a small round blob on the end. Although seen in orange upon the stamp, they come in a variety of colours including pink, yellow, purple, red, green and brown.

Queen Scallop (Queenie) Aequipecten Opercularis

One of our five main commercial fishery species, this bivalve has two curved shells compared to the King scallop which has a curved lower shell and a flat top shell. They are also smaller and are more vigorous swimmers. Their shells are often covered by a sponge which is thought to benefit both parties. The sponge is less likely to be eaten by a predator and it helps to keep starfish off the queenie.

Cushion Starfish Asterina phylactica

A small starfish found on the shore or shallow subtidal waters. It can grow up to 15mm across with five arms. They feed on dead plant and animal matter. Individuals are simultaneous hermaphrodites and during breeding season will form small aggregations of up to 10 individuals to ensure cross breeding. They then brood the eggs by laying over the top of them, remaining with the breeding aggregation until the eggs hatch.

Squat Lobster Galathea Squamifera

They look like something between a crab and a lobster with their long flattened bodies and tucked under tails, generally hiding in crevices between rocks. This species is chestnut, red brown in colour with a greenish hint and red tipped spines. It can reach lengths of 65mm, with a carapace length up to 35mm. This species is thought to be mainly a filter feeder, eating suspended organic matter, but will also scavenge for food.

Violet Sea Slug Edmundsella Pedata

There are several species of sea slugs found in Manx waters but few are as colourful as the violet sea slug or nudibranch, although the colours of other species do vary and can be bold, bright and beautiful. The violet sea slug is a common species in Manx waters. These small slugs feed on even smaller animals called hydroids that grow in colonies on seaweeds and rocks.

Small Spotted Catshark (also known as the lesser spotted dogfish) Scyliorhinus Canicula

This small shark species is commonly seen by divers around the Island. It is greyish brown in colour with numerous dark spots and a white belly. Catsharks hunt at night, eating a variety of prey that includes crabs, bottom dwelling fish such as gobies, and small molluscs. Their empty egg cases often wash up on the shore and are commonly known as mermaids’ purses.

About Dr Lara

Dr Lara Howe is a marine biologist with many years’ experience working both on and off Island. Lara studied marine biology gaining both her degree and PhD at the Port Erin Marine Laboratory, part of The University of Liverpool. She is currently employed by Manx Wildlife Trust as their Marine Officer. Lara is a keen scuba diver and is the Seasearch co-ordinator for the Island.

Find out more at www.seasearch.org.uk