Big Bertha

The Big Berthas (mostly known as Big Cheep-Cheep) are a sub-species of Cheep-Cheep that live deep in the sea. They first appeared in the game Super Mario Bros. 3. She carries Baby Cheeps in her mouth, and occasionally spits them out, to protect herself. After a few seconds, the Baby Cheep will return to its mother's mouth. Big Bertha's male counterpart is Boss Bass, a fish that swims on the surface, not deep in the water. She will eat Mario if he gets too close to all forms of Mario except Frog.

It is possible that Big Berthas made appearances on The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3. However, they were never seen with Baby Cheeps, usually chased after the good guys, and were never referred to by name. Whether these fish were supposed to be either Big Berthas or Boss Basses is unknown.

Big Bertha also played a prominent role in the Nintendo Comics System. In her first appearance, Love Flounders, she falls in love with Mario in a Frog Suit after being tricked by Stanley the Talking Fish. She eventually realizes Stanley was lying, but is consoled by Mario, who states he wants to be friends with Bertha, not lovers. Big Bertha later reappears in Fins and Roses, this time dating Stanley. She foils Wendy O. Koopa's plans by knocking the Koopa's bomb back at her.

In Super Mario 64 DS, Big Berthas did not spit out Baby Cheeps, and replaced Bubba from Super Mario 64. It will aim in on Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, or Wario, mouth wide open, attempting to eat them. Also, the first Big Bertha can be killed by a nearby mushroom.

Trivia

 * A character named Big Bertha was featured in the Super Mario Bros. movie. Like the fish, she wore all red. Also, like the character in the comics, she had a crush on Mario.