Gao

Gao are fire-breathing, sphinx-like enemies that are located within the borders of the Birabuto Kingdom in Super Mario Land. They stay in one place and shoot fireballs at Mario. These fireballs can even be shot backwards, and therefore Mario is not safe while they are on the screen. As with most enemies, they can be defeated after a single jump or superball, awarding Mario with 400 points. King Totomesu is the ruler of the Gao. They are only seen towards the end of the stage in World 1-3, along with throughout the stage in World 1-1 on subsequent playthroughs. In appearance, they look like a mix between a pyramid sphinx and a lion.

Super Mario Land

 * Virtual Console Manual: "This stiff creature doesn't move, but it spits out fireballs aimed at Mario."