Torpedo Base

Skull Boxes are black artillery that first appeared in Super Mario World. They fire Torpedo Teds at Mario. Much like Bill Blasters, the Skull Box cannot be destroyed.

Super Mario World
Skull Box first appeared in Super Mario World in only one level, Soda Lake where they fire Torpedo Teds that are invincible to all available forms of attack, making the level tricky to traverse.

Super Mario Galaxy
Skull Box also appear in Super Mario Galaxy, but they look different and are called Ted Blasters. They are most likely found in the water, hence the name Torpedo Ted. Also in this game they actually can be destroyed by leading a Torpedo Ted right back at them.

New Super Mario Bros. U
Skull Boxes, as well as the Torpedo Teds, return in the Wii U game, New Super Mario Bros. U. They do behave and look exactly like in Super Mario World. They are now seen in Larry's Torpedo Castle. Unlike Super Mario Galaxy, where they could be destroyed, in this game they are invincible. Targeting Teds and Red Skull Boxes debut in The Mighty Cannonship level, being both obstacles and the weapon to destroy Bowser Jr. While Torpedo Teds reappear in New Super Luigi U the Skull Boxes are absent.

Super Princess Peach
Skull Box return alongside the Torpedo Teds in the game Super Princess Peach where they are invincible.

Trivia

 * A strange gloved hand drops Teds out of the boxes. It is unknown if it is organic or mechanical.
 * Torpedo Teds are the underwater counterparts of Missile Bills.