Metroid Database Bestiary

(Also known as “Reo”) A large flying predator of Brinstar. Extremely aggressive, Rios will swoop down to claw at and snatch prey with their large, muscular talons. The its victim firmly in its grasp, the Rio can tear off large chunks of flesh with its powerful jaws and pincers. The Rio’s insect-like wings are capable of propelling the Rio suddenly through the air, while its light skeletal structure allows it to stay aloft. The Rio possesses acute eyesight and will begin tracking prey from long distances and antennae capable of picking up faint vibrations of Geemers and Zeelas, its preferred natural prey.

Rios will swoop down, then back up in an arc. They are rather tough enemies, and can be destroyed with a few hits from the Normal Beam or a single hit from a Missile. You can also destroy them in one hit with a Charge Beam Jump.

Rio (リオ) was mistranslated as “Reo” in the English instruction manual to Super Metroid.