3 euro Austria 2024 - Blue surgeon fish

The Blue Surgeon Fish and the Coin of the "Luminous Marine Life" Series

The blue surgeon fish, with its disc shape, bright blue hue, piercing gaze, and tight lips, evokes a childlike drawing. On the seventh piece in the "Luminous Marine Life" collection, it has a fascinating feature: it changes color under the effect of ultraviolet light.

The name "doctor fish" comes from the bony protuberances on its tail, whose sharp edge is reminiscent of a surgeon's scalpel. When threatened, this yellow "scalpel" is brandished to deter opponents, and can cause severe injury if the warning is not taken seriously.

Young blue doctor fish, once they reach the size of a euro coin, begin their existence on the seabed. At this stage, exposed to a specific light, they glow an intense green. These fish play a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem, feeding on algae to help the corals thrive, and fertilizing the reefs with their excrement.

Through the pieces in the "Luminous Marine Life" series, of which the blue doctor fish piece is a part, the aim is to celebrate the splendor and vitality of marine ecosystems. To preserve the underwater diversity represented on these colorful pieces, it is essential to protect these habitats.

Coin design

On the obverse of the coin, the silhouettes of the twelve marine creatures from the "Luminous Marine Life" series are featured, with air bubbles rising between them and a tail fin disappearing beneath the waves on the right. The reverse of the coin features a blue doctor fish at the center of an aquatic scene, framed by a wide band reminiscent of an old-fashioned porthole. In the background are various corals and two young doctor fish, shown in yellow. Under ultraviolet light, the doctor fish on the piece emits a green glow mixed with bluish reflections.

This piece is part of the company's mission to raise awareness of the need to protect marine habitats and preserve their diversity, while illustrating the beauty of the underwater world.

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