Nibbla

Nibblas are carnivorous fish enemies found in a few levels of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble.

Nibblas are similar to Snapjaws, enemy fishes from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Like Snapjaws, Nibblas will follow the Kongs throughout a level, ready to chomp down on either Dixie Kong or Kiddy Kong if they fall into the water. They are completely invulnerable and cannot be harmed.

Additionally, an unnamed Nibbla is a pseudo Animal Buddy who follows Kiddy Kong and Dixie Kong through the level "Fish Food Frenzy" as a friend to the Kongs — so long as the player keeps it well-fed (although in any other level, it is a ferocious Kong hunter). If Kiddy and Dixie continually feed that Nibbla Kocos, it will remain blue, smiling contently as it follows the Kongs throughout the level. However, if the Kongs feed Nibbla one of the many spiny-shelled Lurchins scattered throughout the level, or simply fails to feed it enough, its mood will gradually worsen until it finally satisfies its hunger by attacking a Kong.

Nibbla's color determines its mood in that level. When blue, it's friendly. When purple, it shows a frown. When orange, it shows its fangs, but won't attack yet. Lastly, when red, Nibbla will attack the Kongs with a swift bite. On a side note, when a Kong is lost, Nibbla's mood may improve, depending on the circumstances.

Although an enemy, Nibbla shows some features similar to an animal buddy. It is used for a Bonus Barrel game, where the Kongs have to get rid of Kocos in order to earn a Bonus Coin. Additionally, there is a "No Nibbla" Sign at the end of the "Fish Food Frenzy" level. However, no reward is given when bringing Nibbla past it, as Nibbla simply remains behind the sign instead of transforming into a prize like an animal buddy.

Trivia

 * According to the game's credits, Nibbla belongs to the "Aquatic Attackers" enemy class.
 * Unlike Snapjaws, Nibblas can't go through walls.
 * The happy Nibbla artwork has it colored orange. However, it is colored blue in the game.