Monday, June 4, 2012

MANTA RAY Australian Sea Life II The Reef Silver Coin 50c Australia 2012


Manta Ray:

The manta ray is one of the largest marine species on the Great Barrier Reef. This magnificent and graceful creature can grow to 5 metres in width and weigh several hundred kilograms.

Manta rays feed on plankton and fish larvae, filtered from the water passing through their gills as they swim. Manta rays display curiosity around humans, and swim among divers. It is still not known how long the manta ray lives.

The harmless rays have a short tail and no stinging spine. They are very acrobatic; they can even leap from the water. Remoras (Echeneida) are frequently seen with mantas, staying near the manta's mouth (even inside the gill cavities). The remoras probably feed on parasites on the manta's body and eat bits of the manta's food.

Mantas are dark brown to black on top with paler margins; they are mostly white underneath and they have no teeth; they sieve their food.

The stunning Sea Life II, The Reef series, has come to an end, with the release of the fifth, and final, coin featuring a spectacularly realistic portrayal of a manta ray.

Struck of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Australia.

  • Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
  • Coloured Reverse Design
  • Australian Legal Tender
  • Limited Mintage – 10,000
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

Five new inhabitants of Australia’s underwater wonder world are featured on Australian Sea Life II – The Reef series.

The colourful Surgeonfish is found along the coast of Western Australia and throughout the waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland to northern New South Wales.

The most distinguishing characteristics of this marine species are its amazing ability to change colour and its extremely sharp scutes and fins – hence the name – Surgeonfish.

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