Manila: The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has issued a captivating set of stamps featuring various jellyfish species native to the Indo-Pacific region and the Philippines, underscoring the country's rich marine biodiversity.

According to Philippines News Agency, the release highlights the Philippines as a haven for diverse jellyfish species, many of which are integral to the nation's natural heritage and may be unique to the region. The stamp collection, titled "16 on sheet," includes 16 individual stamps showcasing four distinct species: the box jellyfish, upside-down jellyfish, lion's mane jellyfish, and Pacific sea nettle.

The box jellyfish, or Cubozoa, is recognized as the most dangerous among these species, inhabiting coastal areas near northern Australia and throughout the Indo-Pacific. This jellyfish is characterized by its box-like body and numerous venomous tentacles.

The upside-down jellyfish, known scientifically as Cassiopea mayeri, is notable for its unique habit of resting upside-down with its tentacles facing upward. The lion's mane jellyfish, or Cyanea capilata, is among the largest jellyfish globally, typically reaching lengths of 1.5 feet but capable of growing as long as 6.5 feet.

In addition, the Pacific sea nettle, Chrysaora fuscescens, features a striking red, gold, and brown bell that can expand up to 3 feet in diameter, accompanied by white oral arms and 24 tentacles extending up to 15 feet.

PHLPost also introduced a special souvenir stamp highlighting the spotted jellyfish, or Mastigias papua, a lagoon jelly species within the Mastigias genus, sometimes referred to as the Papua jelly. The official first-day cover design showcases the Cassiopea culionensis jellyfish, a newly discovered endemic species named after Culion Bay, Palawan, where it was initially found by an international team of scientists, including Filipino marine biologists and taxonomists.

In total, about 10,000 copies of the "16 on sheet" stamps and 2,000 pieces of the souvenir sheet have been printed, celebrating the Philippines' vibrant marine life.