Metroid Database Bestiary

Large cylindrical-shaped predator that lurks in dark tropical jungles. Zazabi captures its prey by leaping into the air, enlarging its mouth, and landing on top of it to engulf it. The Zazabi will then release powerful acids that will slowly dissolve its prey while locking it in place with its weight and powerful muscles. Despite its large size, Zazabi is relatively light and can float back and forth when it falls in order to better ensnare its prey, similar to the Chute. Zazabi's primary mode of transportation is leaping and gliding, though it can also inch along the ground, using the claws around its mouth for support. Zazabi's body is protected by a spiky transparent shell that can repel most attacks. This shell is segmented, and new segments will grow as the Zazabi matures. A large singular eyeball gives the Zazabi excellent vision in dark jungles, while the five bulbous appendages on top of its body can detect subtle electromagnetic disturbances in the atmosphere, making it an efficient hunter.

Zazabi's main attack is to jump back and forth over Samus. If you stand still in the middle of the arc, it won't hit you when it jumps. Zazabi will jump back and forth several times (usually two or three) before floating slowly down over Samus with its mouth open, similar to a Chute. Stand beneath it and pump a few Missiles or Charge Beam up its gullet – it is invulnerable in every other part of the body. With each Missile blast, Zazabi's body will become shorter and shorter, it will make fewer jumps back and forth before floating down, and it takes less time to float to the ground. Zazabi will also edge along the ground before jumping, so make sure you stand a distance away. If Zazabi lands on you, roll into a ball and drop some bombs to break free. After Zazabi is defeated, it will turn into a Type A Core-X that can be defeated with four Missiles.

Zazabi's name is onomatopoeia for the sound it makes as it moves. Its spiky gullet is reminiscent of the Vampire Squid.