Koopa (species)

Koopas are a group of creatures known for their turtle-like appearance. There are many different types of Koopas; one of the most common kinds are called Koopa Troopas.

They seem to operate in a hierarchy based grouping system. Bowser is the leader of the militaristic Koopa Troop, an organization that has attempted to conquer the peaceful Mushroom Kingdom many times. Many Koopas are soldiers in this army, and have different tasks in the organization based on the abilities of their particular class. For example, as Koopa Troopas have no special attributes, they are often assigned as the basic foot soldiers of the Koopa Troop alongside Goombas. On the other hand, 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 simply hold no allegiance and operate independently.

Bowser's species
Not much is known about the species of Koopa to which Bowser belongs. The only members appear to be Bowser, Bowser Jr., the Koopalings, and the Koopa Kids. Their most notable feature is their spiked shells, similar to a Spiny. Unlike a Spiny however, members of this species of Koopa stand upright, and are much larger than most types of Koopas upon reaching adulthood. Even as a child, Bowser Jr. is almost as tall as a full-grown Koopa Troopa. These Koopas are known for their strength and durability, even as children, as well as magical prowess.

Chargin' Chuck
Chargin' Chucks (sometimes referred to as Koopa Quarterbacks or Koopa Football Players) are a type of Koopa who wear American 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.

Dry Bones
Dry Bones (also known as Skeleton Koopas) are skeletal versions of Koopa Troopas introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3. These undead Koopas will often collapse when attacked, but they can reassemble themselves after a short while and continue to battle their opponents.

Electro-Koopa
Electro-Koopas are Koopas found in Super Mario Sunshine. There are three kinds of Electro-Koopas, all of which walk on all fours and have electrical shells which they can throw like Boomerangs.

Gargantua Koopa Troopa
Gargantua Koopa Troopas are a type of Koopa Troopa native to Big Island, as depicted in Super Mario Bros 3. Like many creatures found on Big Island, Gargantua Koopa Troopas are enormous versions of their counterparts in the rest of the world.

Hammer Bro.
Hammer Bros. (or Hammer Brothers) are a type of Koopa that stand upright, wear helmets and throw hammers at passers-by. There are various similar Koopas who throw other objects at their opponents, such as Boomerang Bros. and Fire Bros., the latter of which spits its projectiles from its mouth, instead of pulling them from thin air. All these Koopas have similar shell patterns, 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 in size.

Koopa Paratroopa
Koopa Paratroopas (also known as Parakoopas, Sky Troopas in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, or simply Paratroopas, in Japanese パタパタ Patapata), are Koopa Troopas with wings. They can bounce along the ground or hover back and forth with their wings, which will fall off if the Koopa Paratroopa takes damage, turning it into a normal Koopa Troopa. It is unknown if de-winged Koopas can re-grow their wings, though it appears that not all Koopa Troopas can grow wings in the first place, suggesting the Paratroopas are a distinct species. They were first introduced in the original Super Mario Bros. and have been a staple of the Mario series ever since.

Koopa Troopa
Koopa Troopas (often shortened to plain Koopas and occasionally to Troopas, Japanese ノコノコ Nokonoko) are common enemies in the Mario series. While some are peaceful, Koopa Troopas are usually displayed as foot soldiers of the Koopa Troop under the direct leadership of Bowser. They are considered to be the archetypal Koopas, as they have no special abilities like Hammer Bros. or Lakitu. Since their debut in Super Mario Bros., Koopa Troopas have appeared in almost every game, usually as enemies, but also as playable characters or party members.

Koopeleon
Koopeleons are a rare and unique sub-species of Koopas that live in the Toadwood Forest in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. A Koopeleon resembles a Koopa and chameleon hybrid with a blue shell, green skin, large eyes, and a long curled tail. Koopeleons have the ability to turn invisible, a survival mechanism that allows them to hunt unsuspecting prey. Gold Koopaleons are practically the same thing, but live inside Thwomp Volcano and have an extremely high defense.

Lakitu
Lakitus are bespectacled 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; 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.

Magikoopa
Magikoopas (referred to as Koopa Wizards in the Super Mario World television series) are group of Koopas that 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. Superficially, Magikoopas look very similar to Koopa Troopas, however their beaks are slightly different and their tails appear to be larger, though the exact appearance of their bodies has never been revealed.

Snooze-A-Koopa
Snooze-A-Koopas (also known as Snooza Koopas) are bizarre-looking Koopas encountered by Mario in the game Super Mario Sunshine. Snooze-A-Koopas have flippers instead of hands or feet and walk on all fours; they are also quite large and have a shell with a Yoshi Egg-like pattern on it. They spend much of their time sleeping and while they are herbivorous, they can be violent when provoked.

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, which throw Spiny Eggs at their opponents.

Super Koopa
Super Koopas are shell-less Koopas that wear a cape, allowing them to fly.

Terrapin
Terrapins are armored Koopas with green shells that appear in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.