The Coffers or Ostracions, are without scales, but are covered with
regular bony compartments which are so jointed to one another that the
body seems to be enclosed in a kind of box or long coffer, which only
reveals the fins and a portion of the tail. The body is usually of a
triangular shape, although some species are quadrangular; but no matter
what the form, this queer bony box gives the Fish an odd appearance,
making it distinct from all others.
These singular Fishes are found in the Indian Ocean and in the American
seas. They are of moderate size, and of little value as food for
mankind.