Koopa (species)

Not to be confused with Koopa Troopa.

This article is about the Koopa species as a whole. For other uses of the word "Koopa", see Koopa.

Koopa
Collage showing the diversity of Koopas
First appearance	Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Latest appearance	Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024)
Variant of	Shellcreeper
Variants Boom Boom Buzzy Beetle Chargin' Chuck Hammer Bro Koopa (Bowser's species) Koopa Striker Koopa Troopa Lakitu Magikoopa Shova Spike Spiny Sumo Bro
Relatives Yoshi
Notable members Motley Bossblob Tutankoopa

“Yoshi-dear, that baby is going to cause disaster to befall the Koopas. So give him here before you accidentally get hurt!”

—Kamek, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Koopas (once "the Koopa") are a category of turtle-like creatures that form the Turtle Tribe (also known as the Koopa clan or Koopa tribe). There are many different types of Koopas, the most common being Koopa Troopas.

Most Koopas operate in a hierarchy-based grouping system. Bowser is the leader of a large army of minions, which has invaded the Mushroom Kingdom many times and has control over most of the Koopas in the Super Mario franchise, beginning in Super Mario Bros. Many of these same Koopas are members of the Koopa Troop and have different tasks in the organization based on the abilities of their particular class. For example, Koopa Troopas tend to be assigned as basic foot soldiers alongside Goombas due to their lack of specialized offensive capabilities, while Magikoopas are often given advisory roles due to their magical abilities and gift of foresight.

However, not all Koopas are allied with Bowser. Some Koopas, such as the Koopa Troopas of Koopa Village, live peacefully inside the borders of the Mushroom Kingdom, while others, such as Koopa the Quick in Super Mario 64 and the Roving Racers in Super Mario Odyssey, simply hold no allegiance and operate independently.

Name

Koopas are named from the species that Bowser belongs to due to an inconsistency in localization. According to an interpretation of the story of the original game's Japanese manual during the English localization that saw Koopa (クッパ) as the name of the group of turtles instead of the name of Bowser, they were known for their "black magic." Said interpretation has since been rectified, with Koopa being acknowledged to be the Japanese name of Bowser, but the concept of Koopas as a group of turtles in the West remains, while Nintendo of Japan consistently refers to Koopa as the name of Bowser and to the Turtle Tribe (カメ族ぞく) as the group to which the various turtles belong. This inconsistency has also led to Koopa Troopas commonly being called "Koopas" for short in many Western releases, despite its established wider application and it instead being Bowser's name in Japan.

Origin

A Shellcreeper, the predecessors to Koopas

Main article: Shellcreeper

Koopas in general are based on the Shellcreepers from Mario Bros., as evident by various enemies being tentatively named and designed after Shellcreepers in development documents of Super Mario Bros. Mario Mania indicates that Koopa Troopas and Koopa Paratroopas were previously Shellcreepers. At least one source, Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten, lists Shellcreepers among the Turtle Tribe while simultaneously stating that they are the roots originating the whole Turtle Tribe. Additionally, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U states that Koopa Troopas (referred to simply as "Koopas" in English versions) are apparently evolved from Shellcreepers.

Species

Boom Boom

Boom Boom in Super Mario Run

Main article: Boom Boom

Boom Booms are a Koopa species similar to Bowser's. Booms Booms are very large and most have spikes on the back of their shells. The only difference seems to be the connected plastron (the underside of the shell) that Boom Booms have. They have huge arms, which they use to attack by flailing them, although in some cases their arms are replaced with wings. Aside from the main Boom Boom, a female Boom Boom named Pom Pom has been shown. They appear in boss battles in games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Bros. U, New Super Luigi U, Super Mario 3D World, and Super Mario Maker 2.

Buzzy Beetle

Main article: Buzzy Beetle

Buzzy Beetles are found generally in caves and other dark areas. They are known to be immune to fireballs, and they can climb on walls and ceilings, and they can drop from ceilings if Mario or others approach them closely enough. As with Koopa Troopas, Buzzy Beetles hide inside their shell if Mario or others stomp on them, letting their shells be used.

Other Buzzy Beetle species

• Big Buzzy Beetle
  • Big Bony Beetle
• Bony Beetle
  • Big Bony Beetle
• Buster Beetle
• Buzz-Bomb
• Magmite
  • Magmus
• Noko Bombette
• Para-Beetle
  • Heavy Para-Beetle
  • Spiky Parabuzzy
• Spike Top
  • Dark Spike Top
  • M. M-Spike Top
  • Red Spike Top
  • Spiky Parabuzzy
• Shiny Buzzy Beetle
• Small Buzzy Beetle
• Stone Buzzy
  • Dark Stone Buzzy

Chargin' Chuck

Chargin' Chucks with and without helmets in Super Mario 3D World

Main article: Chargin' Chuck

Chargin' Chucks are a type of Koopa who wear gridiron football gear. They have a variety of attacks and sports based weaponry, such as damaging baseballs and footballs. Chargin' Chucks first appeared in Super Mario World. They have similarities to Boom Boom, and like the Hammer Bros. and their variations, Chargin' Chucks often appear as duos, or sometimes even larger groups.

Hammer Bro

Main article: Hammer Bro

Hammer Bros. (or Hammer Brothers) are a type of Koopa that stand upright, wear helmets and shoes, and throw hammers at passerby. There are various similar Koopas who throw other objects at their opponents, such as the Boomerang Bros., Ice Bros., and the Fire Bros., the latter of which used to spit their projectiles from their mouths, but now pull them from thin air, like the others. All of these Koopas have similar shell patterns (though they are color-coded by type: Hammer Bros. wear green armor, Fire Bros. wear red, Boomerang Bros. wear blue, Ice wear light blue, etc.) and beaks that are lighter in color than the rest of their face, both of which sets them apart from Koopa Troopas, which are also slightly smaller.

Other Hammer Bro species

• Amazing Flyin' Hammer Brother
  • C. A. F. H. Bro
• Boomerang Bro
  • Beanerang Bro
  • Circus Bro
  • Dark Boomerang Bro
  • Goomerang Brother
  • Paper Boomerang Bro
• Business Bro
• Calm Hammer Bro
• Chariot Bro
• Chomp Bro
• Dark Hammer Bro
• Fire Bro
  • Dark Fire Bro
  • Paper Fire Bro
• Ice Bro
• Juggler Bro
• Limbo Bro
  • Elite Limbo Bro
• Paper Hammer Bro
• Sledge Bro
  • Shady Sledge Bro
• Small Hammer Bro
• Yo Bro

Koopa (Bowser's species)

Various members aboard an airship

Main article: Koopa (Bowser's species)

Koopas (not to be confused with Koopa Troopas or the Turtle Tribe in general) are a large species that is generally shown with bipedal posture, a spiked shell that is separated between the front and back, and lumpy, fleshy muzzles. As the species Bowser belongs to, many of his traits and abilities are later shown by others, such as the ability to breathe fire. Most examples of them are specific named characters rather than generic enemies. They physically have the closest resemblance to Boom Booms and Sumo Bros.

Most variants of Bowser's species are offshoots of Bowser himself.

• Bowser Statue
• Bowser Stunner
• Fake Bowser
  • Tail Bowser
• Koopa Kid
• Mechakoopa
  • Blasta Mechakoopa
  • Flying Mechakoopa
  • Mega Mechakoopa
  • Zappa Mechakoopa

Koopa Troopa

Main article: Koopa Troopa

Koopa Troopas (often shortened to plain Koopas and occasionally to Troopas, Japanese ノコノコ Nokonoko) are common enemies in the Super Mario franchise. While some are peaceful, Koopa Troopas are usually displayed as foot soldiers of the Koopa Troop under the direct leadership of Bowser. They typically have no special offensive abilities like Hammer Bros. or Lakitus. Throughout the Super Mario franchise, Koopa Troopas have appeared as both quadrupedal creatures (four legged) and bipedal (walking on two legs). Since their debut in Super Mario Bros., Koopa Troopas have appeared in almost every game, usually as enemies, but also as playable characters in numerous spin-offs. They are also partners for Mario in the first two Paper Mario games.

Other Koopa Troopa species

• Ankoopa
• Big Koopa Troopa
  • Big Dry Bones
  • Big Koopa Paratroopa
• Bombshell Koopa
• Climbing Koopa
• Dark Koopa
• Dry Bones
  • Big Dry Bones
  • Dark Bones
  • Dry Bones 5-Stack
  • Dull Bones
    • Dark Dull Bones
  • Elite Dry Bones
  • Paper Dry Bones
  • Parabones
  • Red Bones
  • Sad Dry Bones
  • Vomer
• Electro-Koopa
  • Blue Electrokoopa
  • Red Electrokoopa
    • Electro-Koopa King
• Glad Red Koopa
• Koopa Paratroopa
  • Big Koopa Paratroopa
    • Big Troopa
      • Grand Troopa
  • Dark Paratroopa
  • Dreamy Paratroopa
  • G. R. P-Troopa
  • Koopa Paratroopa 10-Stack
  • KP Paratroopa
  • Mad G. P-Troopa
  • Malakoopa
  • Paper Paratroopa
  • Paratroopea
  • Scaratroopea
  • Shady Paratroopa
  • Shiny Paratroopa
  • Z Koopa
  • Parabones
• Koopatrol
  • Dark Koopatrol
• Koopa Troopa 6-Stack
• Koopeleon
  • Gold Koopeleon
• KP Koopa
  • KP Paratroopa
• Mad Green Koopa
• Mask Koopa
• Mural Koopa
• Paper Koopa Troopa
• Shady Koopa
  • Shady Paratroopa
• Shiny Koopa Troopa
• Snooza Koopa
• Snortoise
• Space Troopa
• State Troopa
• Stormtroopa
• Super Koopa
• Super Troopa
• Terrapin
  • Terra Cotta
  • Torte
• Troopea
  • Elite Troopea
  • Paratroopea
  • Scaratroopea
• Unshelled Koopa Troopa
• Wereturtle

Lakitu

A Lakitu as seen in New Super Mario Bros. U

Main article: Lakitu

Lakitus are goggled Koopas who ride clouds through the skies, and which can occasionally be found snorkeling in water and hiding behind walls or in pipes. Unlike most Koopa species, they do not have snouts or beaks, but flat faces with round noses. Their shells are also unique in their circular patterning. To attack, Lakitus typically throw unlimited numbers of Spiny Eggs at their opponents, and some will also dangle 1-Up Mushrooms from fishing poles to lure their targets closer.

Other Lakitu species

• Aqua Lakitu
• Calm Lakitu
• Commander Lakitu
• Dark Lakitu
• Fishin' Lakitu
  • Fishing Boo
    • C. Fishing Boo
• Glam Lakitu
• Lakipea
• Lakitu King
• Lakitu R
• Lakitu in a Pipe
• Lakitufo
• Thunder Lakitu
• Wall Lakitu

Magikoopa

A Magikoopa as seen in Super Mario 3D World

Main article: Magikoopa

Magikoopas (referred to as Kameks in the European localizations and as Koopa Wizards in the Super Mario World television series) can cast spells and fly on broomsticks. They are generally considered to be high-ranking members of the Koopa Troop. They wear glasses and wizard's garb: typically blue robes and hats, though Magikoopas specializing in different forms of magic sport different colors. Aside from their heads, which have slightly larger beaks than those of their normal counterparts, little is known about the Magikoopa's external structure due to their robes. Kamek is a notable Magikoopa.

Other Magikoopa species

• Dark Magikoopa
• Gray Magikoopa
• Green Magikoopa
• Magifoofa
• Purple Magikoopa
• Red Magikoopa
• Toady
• White Magikoopa
• Yellow Magikoopa

Shova

A Shova in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Main article: Shova

Shovas are large Koopas similar to Chargin' Chucks and Sumo Bros. that are capable of pushing large objects like pipes with their large mitted hands.

Spike

A Spike in Super Mario 3D World

Main article: Spike

Spikes are small Koopas who either stand still or walk around. When Mario or an ally of his comes by, however, Spikes throw spiked balls or bars to harm the character. More specialized variants, such as Snow Spikes and Stone Spikes, also exist and throw their namesake projectiles instead of metallic, spiked balls.

Other Spike species

• Clubba
  • Dark Clubba
  • White Clubba
• Fire Gabon
• Mad Spike
• Shiny Paper Spike
• Snow Spike
• Stone Spike

Spiny

A Spiny in New Super Mario Bros. 2

Main article: Spiny

Spinies (Japanese トゲゾー Togezō) are four-legged Koopas known for their spiked shells. They appear to have a symbiotic relationship with Lakitus, another Koopa variant which throw Spiny Eggs at their opponents.

Other Spiny species

• Big Spiny
• Dark Spiny
• Sad Spiny
• Sharpea
• Shiny Paper Spiny
• Sky-Blue Spiny
• Spike Blop
• Spike Koopa
• Spikey
  • Spikester
  • Urspike
• Spiny Egg
• Spiny R
• Spiny Shroopa
• Thorny

Sumo Bro

Main article: Sumo Bro

Sumo Bros. (or Sumo Brothers) are a type of Koopa with similarities to Sledge Bro and Chargin' Chuck. They pound their foot to create thunderbolts that explode upon impact with the ground. Despite fitting within the Hammer Bros. naming scheme in most languages, they are generally depicted as unrelated. Sumo Bros. first appeared in Super Mario World.

Other Koopa-like creatures

Conkdor

Main article: Conkdor

Conkdors are huge flightless birds with lavender-colored spiked Koopa shells and long necks and beaks they can use to bash anyone in front of them.

Rocky Wrench

Rocky Wrenches' Koopa-like appearance in Super Mario Bros. 3.

Main article: Rocky Wrench

Rocky Wrenches are enemies and pop out of manhole covers on airships at random. They were stated to be a mole-like type of Koopa during Super Mario Bros. 3, but have been redesigned to greatly resemble Monty Moles (which are in turn based off Rocky Wrenches) as of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, though the shells reappear in the "classic" styles of Super Mario Maker and its iterations as well as the DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Skedaddler

Main article: Skedaddler

Skedaddlers are timid ground squirrel-like enemies that spit seeds to attack. They have small, black shells very similar to the ones Rocky Wrenches sometimes have.

Yoshi

Main article: Yoshi (species)

Yoshis are long-tongued omnivorous saurian creatures initially intended as Koopas. After their debut, this connection was not brought up again for many years, but it would eventually be reconfirmed that they are turtles with the large red "saddle" being a natural shell. As such, they are the one Koopa-based creature consistently depicted as friendly characters, with Yoshi being a major protagonist of both the Mario franchise as well as his own franchise.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning	Notes
Japanese	カメ一族いちぞく Kame-ichizoku	Turtle Tribe
	クッパ一族いちぞく (All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros.) Kuppa-ichizoku	Bowser Tribe
	カメ族ぞく Kame-zoku	Turtle Tribe
	カメ[?] Kame	Turtle
Catalan	Koopa (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)[?]	-
Chinese (simplified)	喏库[?] Nuòkù	Derived from "喏库喏库" (Nuòkù'nuòkù, Koopa Troopa)
	乌龟族 (Super Smash Bros.) Wūguī Zú	Turtle Tribe
	龟族 (Mario Party Superstars)[?] Guī Zú
Chinese (traditional)	烏龜族 (Mario Kart Wii) Wūguī Zú	Turtle Tribe
	庫巴一族 (Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary) Kùbā-yīzú	Bowser Tribe
Dutch	Koopa[?]	-
French	Koopa[?]	-
German	Koopa[?]	-
Italian	Koopa[?]	-
	Tribù delle Tartarughe (Super Mario Bros. manual)[?]	Turtle Tribe
Korean	거북족 Geobukjok	Turtle Tribe
Portuguese	Koopa[?]	-
Russian	Купа[?] Kupa	Koopa
Spanish	Koopa[?]	-