Collection Inspiration: Ocean Wildlife

Paper money collectors often focus on a particular nation or even a particular series. This column is designed to offer ideas for building a collection of notes from around the world based on a common element. June 8 is World Oceans Day, and in preparation for this ecological celebration, we look at the marine wildlife featured on banknotes worldwide.

Deep, vast and mysterious, the magnificent ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, giving the globe its nickname: the “Blue Planet.” While the sea is home to more than 200,000 aquatic species, it has a cultural significance to civilizations worldwide. Nations have used their banknotes to feature a variety of marine life, including the green turtle, manta rays and whale shark on this Maldives 2015 1,000 Rufiyaa. Starting at the surface, we will explore the depths of this fantastic world and its aquatic inhabitants.

Yellow-eyed Penguin

Endemic to the shores of New Zealand, the yellow-eyed penguin (more commonly known to islanders as the hoiho) is just one of about 20 living penguin species. Their diet mainly consists of fish that live near the seafloor. With an estimated population of 4,000, the yellow-eyed penguin is on the endangered list and has been granted protection since 2010.

Conch Shell

The conch shell is an exoskeleton and home to the sea snail. When it dies, the shell will decompose, eventually becoming sand. For centuries, civilizations have used conch shells for rituals, music, war, money, jewelry and food. The island nation of Vanuatu (west of Fiji) released a 2020 commemorative 1,000 Vatu that features images of conch shells in scenes that emphasize its cultural heritage.

Bull Shark

The bull shark received its name for its broad, flat snout and aggressive behavior. Wild and unpredictable, this shark can thrive along the warm, shallow coasts of both salt and fresh water. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing this cartilaginous fish traveling up the Mississippi River and Africa's Zambezi River.

Hawksbill and Leatherback Sea Turtles

Primarily found in the open ocean worldwide, the hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles lead a mysterious life, largely unknown to experts. Female turtles will appear on beaches when crafting their nest and laying eggs. Once the hatchlings reach the sea, they mostly lead a solitary life.

Belize Barrier Reef

Stretching from the Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It is 190 miles long and is home to 70 hard coral, 36 soft coral and over 500 fish species. This incredible reef system has been designated a Natural World Heritage Site since 1996, and a colorful illustration of it is featured on the back of the Belize 1990 1 Dollar.

Crab

Crabs are found all over the world. Out of the numerous types of crustaceans, 850 species live in freshwater. They are omnivores, with their main diet consisting of algae, mollusks, worms, fungi, bacteria and even other crustaceans. The smallest species is the pea crab, which is about the size of a dime, while the Japanese spider crab is the largest, with a leg span that can reach about 12 feet.

Stingray

Stingrays are cartilaginous fish that are related to sharks. Currently, there are about 220 known species, and they won’t attack humans unless provoked. With a preference for tropical and subtropical waters, stingrays are found worldwide. An excellent depiction of a stingray is found on the Cayman Islands 2014 50 Dollars.

Atlantic Blue Marlin

Endemic to the Atlantic Ocean, the blue marlin is one of the most recognized fish with its long, thin bill. The marlin will spear its way through a school of fish, stunning or killing them, and then return for its meal. This fish is famously featured in the classic novella The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

Whale Shark

Found in open waters of tropical oceans, the whale shark is a filter-feeding fish with 300 rows of teeth and 20 filter pads. It exclusively feasts on plankton and small fish. This shark has a docile demeanor and poses no threat to divers. They have a life expectancy of 80 to 130 years.

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