Metroid Database Bestiary

Powamps are docile underwater creatures found in Maridia, and their signature feature is their large, inflatable heads. With the help of a caudal fin and two small pectoral fins to maintain balance, the Powamp’s head will swell beyond its own body length and eventually contract, allowing it to cyclically increase its buoyancy and then drift back down in the water.

While Powamps are easily killed with standard weaponry, they can serve as floating grapple points and will continue to swim vertically, seemingly unhindered and unbothered by having to tow Samus. Once their maximum height is reached, they will maintain their position and provide a great opportunity for swinging up to higher ground. Be careful not to swing too closely, however, as they damage Samus if she comes into physical contact with them. If they are shot, Powamps will quickly expand and then explode, launching projectiles that can cause damage.

Powamps overall shape highly resemble the boss Phantoon, but no relation to it has ever been confirmed.