Arabian Tibia (Rostellaria magna)

Issued in the early 1960s as part of the Shells of the Red Sea series of the French Somali Coast (Côte Française des Somalis), this stamp commemorates the Arabian Tibia (Rostellaria magna), a marine gastropod found in the warm waters of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The series was created to showcase the region’s rich marine biodiversity and to promote interest in the study of seashells, marine ecosystems, and natural history.

By featuring the Arabian Tibia, the issue highlighted the ecological importance and diversity of marine life in the coastal waters of the territory. The stamp celebrated the natural heritage of the Red Sea while encouraging appreciation of its unique aquatic species and emphasizing the value of marine resources for scientific research, environmental awareness, and regional maritime culture.