The tropical
waters of Australia's coral reefs are home to an extraordinary number of
marine species. The Great Barrier Reef alone supports an estimated 1,500
fish species. The Orangefin Anemonefish featured on the stamp and medallion
is one such species. It belongs to the family Perciformes and lives
among the tentacles of anemones. Anemonefish have a unique ability to
produce a skin secretion that mimics a chemical substance produced by
anemones to stop the tentacles stinging themselves. This allows the fish to
dwell among the tentacles, where it benefits from anemones' robust defence
system.