Boxfish

The boxfish is encased in a hard armor of hexagonal bony plates, almost like a little box. That is why it swims only slowly with tiny fins. When stressed it can release a poison into the water that drives other fish away.

For scientists

The boxfish (Ostraciidae) is encased in a rigid bony armor; only the fins, mouth, and tail base stay mobile, so it maneuvers with surprising precision using finely tuned fin beats. Under stress it secretes the toxin ostracitoxin, which in small volumes of water can endanger even itself. The honeycomb armor structure is considered very strong and light.

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