2013 $1 Mandarin Fish – Synchiropus Splendidus Colored Coin from Palau

The overwhelming species diversity of Pacific reefs is increasingly threatened by overfishing and destruction of habitat. As a flagship species the fascinating, colorful mandarin fish can raise public awareness and support for marine conservation. The mandarin fish reaches a size of only three inches in length and is therefore one of the smaller inhabitants of the tropical sea. With its pointed mouth it pecks for invertebrates and worms on inshore reefs and sandy lagoons, interspersed with rocks and corals. Oversized pelvic fins and the raised position of its eyes identify it as a bottom-dwelling species. This One Dollar legal tender coin was issued under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Palau and comes in an AirTite capsule.