Ostraciontidae
by E. Tortonese
Body short, cuboid, pentagonal or triquetrous. Carapace consisting of large, polygonal, bony plates firmly connected; ridges and spines variably developed. Caudal peduncle, bases of fins and lips free. Mouth small. About 10 teeth in each jaw. Dorsal and anal fins almost opposite, short, without spiny rays. Caudal edge rounded or straight. Pelvics absent.
Occur mainly on or near coral reefs. Slow swimmers. Oviparous.
Genera about 10; in Clofnam area 1.
Recent revision: Fraser-Brunner (1935).