Scott No: 2487-90
Serial number: 1994-3
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: March 18, 1994
Designers: Li Yinqing
Size: 52*31 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 40
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Sturgeons, catalog number 1994-3, was issued on March 18, 1994. It consists of four stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 52×31 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 40 stamps. The stamps were designed by Li Yinqing and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This set features four rare and ancient sturgeon species (Acipenseriformes) found in China. Sturgeons are living fossil species that have survived for hundreds of millions of years and possess extremely high scientific research value. The issuance of this stamp set aims to popularize knowledge about sturgeons and raise public awareness of the need to protect rare aquatic wildlife and the aquatic ecosystems of the Yangtze River and Heilongjiang River basins.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Kaluga Sturgeon

The image depicts a kaluga sturgeon swimming in the water. Its body is thick and elongated, with its head raised and tail swinging, full of dynamism. The kaluga sturgeon mainly inhabits the Heilongjiang River system. It is a large carnivorous fish and a representative sturgeon species of China's northern waters, as well as an important rare and protected aquatic organism.

Chinese Sturgeon

The image shows the Chinese sturgeon with an extended body, swimming leisurely. It is a typical anadromous fish, migrating between coastal waters and the upper reaches of the Yangtze River for breeding. As a national first-class protected animal, it is a flagship species of the Yangtze River ecosystem and is known as the "giant panda in the water."

Chinese Paddlefish

The image depicts a Chinese paddlefish swimming forward, with its iconic long snout prominently visible. The Chinese paddlefish is a rare species endemic to the Yangtze River and the largest freshwater fish species in China. It is a national first-class protected animal.

Dabry's Sturgeon

The image shows a Dabry's sturgeon leaping in the water. Also known as the Yangtze sturgeon, it is a resident sturgeon species in the Yangtze River basin that does not undertake long-distance migration. It is also a rare and endangered protected fish unique to China.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a simple and realistic watercolor painting style. Light water ripple patterns are used to set off the aquatic environment, highlighting the smooth and robust body contours of the sturgeons. The images are clean and transparent. The four sturgeons have different postures, distinguishing their respective species characteristics. Latin scientific names are noted in the lower right corner, combining educational value with visual appeal. It is a classic work in the category of aquatic wildlife stamps.