Nibbla

Nibbla are annoying, carnivorous fish fond in a few of Donkey Kong Country 3 ' s underwater levels. Nibblas supposedly replace Snapjaws from the previous game. Their color tells if they're friendly or enemies (the latter is found the most).

Red
The common red Nibblas are enemies, often appearing in boardwalk levels, following the Kongs throughout the level. Unlike most water enemies, Nibblas are completely invincible, not even Enguarde the Swordfish can defeat it with his trusty bill stab. Nibblas colored red will swim right after a Kong when s/he falls into the water, making them tough to avoid. Though found in few levels, they are still quite annoying.

Blue
A blue color swap of a Nibbla appears in the underwater level Fish Food Frenzy. This Nibbla comes out when the levels starts, often panicking a first-time player into thinking that it will give chase, however that is not the case as this blue Nibbla is very unique.

Blue Nibblas will follow the Kongs as they swim. As time goes on, it will slowly get hungry, and turn red. It must be kept blue in order to prevent the Kongs from losing a life. When it gets close to a Koco, it will eat it and become happier. However, if it gets close to a Lurchin, it will get redder, likely because it does not like the taste of the spiky foe.

Whether or not the blue version is considered an Animal Buddy is unknown, as it does technically help the Kongs get rid of underwater enemies, yet can also kill them. A "No Animal Sign" even appears for it.