Nibbla

An angered, orange 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 or Kiddy Kong if they fall into the water. Nibblas mostly appear in levels that have boardwalks in them. They are completely invulnerable and cannot be harmed.

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A Nibbla, as seen in Dixie Kong's Photo Album.

Additionally, an unnamed Nibbla is a "sort-of" Animal Buddy who follows Kiddy Kong and Dixie Kong through 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 Nibbla Kocos, he will remain blue, smiling contently as he 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 him enough, his mood will gradually worsen until he finally satisfies his hunger by attacking a Kong.

Nibbla's color determines his mood in that level. When blue, he's friendly. When purple, he shows a frown. When orange, he shows his 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.

A happy Nibbla.

Although an enemy, Nibbla shows some features similar to an animal buddy, just as the aid from it for a Bonus Barrel game, where Kongs have to get rid 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.