Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal)

Issued in 1965 as part of the Marine Life series of the French Somali Coast (Côte Française des Somalis), this stamp commemorates the Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal), a species native to the Red Sea and nearby waters of the northwestern Indian Ocean. The series was issued to showcase the rich diversity of marine species inhabiting the region and to promote interest in marine biology, natural history, and the underwater ecosystems that support a wide range of aquatic life.

By featuring the Sohal Surgeonfish, the issue highlighted the ecological importance of coral reef environments and the unique biodiversity of the Red Sea. The stamp celebrated the territory's maritime heritage while encouraging appreciation of marine conservation and the preservation of the fragile ecosystems that sustain many of the region's most remarkable species.