Common Eagle Ray (Myliobatis cervus)

The historical focus of the definitive regular issue is the mid-century systematic scientific mapping of the marine ecosystems bounding the territory, cataloged under the French designation "Aigle de Mer". Released as part of an oceanographic survey series, this stamp archives the presence of pelagic ray species traversing the coral reefs and deep-water trenches of the Gulf of Aden. By processing this ichthyological registry through the international mail network, the civil administration documented the rich coastal resources that historically anchored the territory's maritime economy and strategic shipping lanes.