Metroid Database Bestiary

The amphibious Grenchler lurks in marsh areas in search of prey. Fearless, it will spring from hiding and attack anything that moves. If it is unable to fell its prey with its powerful jaws, it will fire a potent burst of energy at them. Grenchlers have one weak spot - a genetic defect makes the shell on their back susceptible to explosive blasts. Remove the shell to expose a vulnerable nerve center, then target it to eliminate the creature.

Found in both pairs and as solitary hunters, Grenchlers are among the most aggressive and dangerous of Aether's fauna. They possess two attacks of differing range. One is a long-range electric-based attack that it fires from its horn, while the other is a more conventional charge attack with its jaws. The latter has a deceptively large hitbox and as a result can be difficult to avoid.

Grenchlers can only be damaged from behind. Despite the indication that this area is vulnerable to explosive blasts, it can be targeted and damaged by any weapon. Super Missiles appear to be the most effective, however. Strafing to reach the backside or attacking from a distance before it has targeted Samus are ideal strategies for neutralizing them.

Grenchlers can be observed swimming as well as walking and running. They are arguably more dangerous while in the water, especially when Samus does not yet possess the Gravity Boost and thus has limited mobility. It is also more difficult to target them efficiently due to the limited space there is to move about in the aquatic environments. However, they cannot use their secondary long-rage attack while swimming. They can leap considerably long distances, and can maneuver to higher and lower platforms. However, they still appear to have limits as to where they can reach.

Grenchlers bear a resemblance to the Baby Sheegoths, both in morphology, attack patterns, and weakness. It's very likely Retro Studios used the same or a similar rig for this enemy.

It is said in Luminoth lore that Aether’s life was once much gentler than other planets they had observed. This suggests that the extremely vicious and predatory Grenchler is a result of either Phazon mutation or the radical habitat change brought about by the impact of the meteor on Aether. This is not unlike what happened to the native lifeforms of Tallon IV following the impact of its own Phazon meteor.