Metroid Database Bestiary

The Skultera is the most common species of fish found throughout Zebes, and its strong mandible, coupled with its distinctly-armored profile, helps build its intimidating presence. The Skultera’s enormous head and dorsal profile is offset by a relatively narrow tail, which generates ample propulsion to keep it continuously moving forward. Matured Skultera naturally swim faster and are purple in color, while younger Skultera have an orange and vermillion hue. In their native habitat, these fish are usually found in larger bodies of water, but have been discovered in shallow pools in remote locations of Brinstar.

The Skultera’s armor plating makes them highly resistant to attack. Fortunately, they are quite easy to hit, as they don’t swim exceptionally fast and basically swim left and right on a fixed horizontal path. Powerful beam weaponry (especially Plasma Beam configurations) is most effective, but Skulteras can also be killed with three Normal Missiles, a Super Missile, Power Bomb, or Screw Attack.

The Japanese name of these creatures is “Skultetra”, named after the domesticated fish, but they were mistranslated as “Skultera”, and the name has since stuck.

Over the years, these aquatic creatures have become faster and more aggressive. Metroid Fusion was the first game to illustrate different sizes of Skultera. Zero Mission demonstrated the Skultera’s ability to chase Samus in the water and even attack her in groups, while Other M made them even faster and agile.