Metroid

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A Metroid as depicted in Metroid: Zero Mission.
Metroid
Origin	SR388
Debut	Metroid

The titular enemy of the Metroid series. These jellyfish-like monsters have taken on a variety of forms, but are most recognizable as a domed creature with a large and small set of pincers.

Information

A parasitical lifeform thought to have originated from planet SR-388, in recent years their true origin has been revealed. Long ago the Chozo found the planet to be plagued by the X Virus, a creature that could infect and control its host lifeform. To bring balance to the planet's ecosystem, they created the metroid which mean 'The Ultimate Warrior'. In its most basic form it resembled a floating jellyfish that fed chiefly on energy, something the X Virus was rich in. Although they fed on the X virus, they also fed on other local lifeform. However, with only one Metroid Queen, their population was never able to drastically increase to cause adverse changes to the planet's ecosystem.

It is unknown if the Chozo theirselves were aware of the highly unstable genetics of the metroids, but on SR-388 the gamma rays caused what would might be considered a 'natural' metamorphosis. Deeper in the planet they could be found in their Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Omega forms. It's larval form can grow to incredible sizes and is the only one to actively drain energy from its hosts. Being considered a parasite is perhaps an innacurate definition as they are more predator given that they drain all energy in a matter of minutes.

The exact purpose of the Metroid Queen is difficult to determine. On SR-388 it was the chief source of metroid larva, but it has been seen that the Space Pirates and Federation have succeeded in breeding (or perhaps cloning) more Metroids. Influence of Phazon has also caused unique mutations into the species. The phazon-influenced metroids became 'Fission Metroids', a more dangerous form that resembles a metroid larva split in two but not fully separated. Another variation, the Hunter Metroid, is also likely caused by Fission. The Space Pirates also succeeded in genetically altering the Metroid Larva into a more 'useful' variant, the so called Tallon Metroid. The same metroid variation also became host to the Ing to become Dark Metroids, though not at all willingly. A weaker, more easily controlled variation was the Mochtroid. Metroid Prime, another variation, has unknown origins but is thought to be the ultimate mutation from Phazon.

The metroids were first discovered by the Galactic Federation and were captured for research. The Federation ship was captured by Space Pirates and the metroids taken for research as biological weapons. Although their metroids and base were wiped out, some of their force escaped with metroid larvas for further examination, especially on Tallon IV. Those metroids wee too wiped out, but seen again on Planet Aether. Because of the threat they presented, Samus Aran was sent to SR-388 to exterminate the last remaining metroids. All but one metroid larva were killed, one that hatched before Samus's eyes and followed her like she was its parent. This same metroid would be captured by the Space Pirates, but in its last moments sacrifice itself to save Samus Aran. The last of the metroids were extinct.

But not entirely so. With the DNA collected from the metroid larva on Ceres Station, the researchers at BioLogic were able to create successful clones. Even one clone advanced through the stages to Omega Metroid. The metroid DNA was also injected into Samus Aran to save her from a X Virus infestation. Although BioLogic Station was ultimately destroyed, it does cast into doubt the overall extinction of the species...

Trivia

• In Kid Icarus, Metroids make a small cameo as the enemy Komayto.