Grenchler



Grenchlers are amphibious predators that live in Torvus Bog, Aether. It will attack anything that moves with its jaws and fire energy bursts when it can't reach its prey. The Log Book states that the shell on its back is susceptible to explosives and once its shell is removed, the Grenchler is vulnerable to attack from behind. However, it is usually a better strategy to use Charge Beam shots - even the charged Power Beam does more damage than missiles, and although missiles achieve a better fire rate, this usually does not mean much as the shell is usually vulnerable for short periods of time, so when fighting them it is best to keep the equipped beam charged, and attack when they become vulnerable.

Similarities to Sheegoths

 * Grenchlers are often considered to be related to the Baby Sheegoths, an enemy from Metroid Prime. This is mainly based on the two creatures' similar behavior and attack patterns, as well as the existence of a larger "boss" form of the species (Sheegoth and Grapple Guardian). However, this is likely in regards to the developers wanting an enemy in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes similar to Baby Sheegoths, but in a different environment. The key differences besides appearance is the Grenchler's ability to jump and swim underwater, both skills that Sheegoths do not have. Also, Sheegoths attack by breathing ice, while Grenchlers attack with bolts of electricity and are seemingly more agile than the former sheegoths. Grenchlers deal more damage more easily too; at close range they will use a powerful impaling attack, and at long range they will rely on firing strong, guided bolts of electricity which are very hard to avoid, much harder than the ice blast of a Baby Sheegoth. However, the Baby Sheegoth may freeze it's target.

As it is mentioned off-handedly in Prime 2 that the Luminoth and Chozo had interacted in the past, it is reasonable to conclude that the two scpace-fareing species may have exchanged local flora and fauna. These introduced lifeforms could have been genetically modified or simply allowed to evolve into their new home habitat.

This conclusion explains the similarities of many dual-planet species, such as war wasps and Grenchlers/Sheegoths. It also explains the similarites between organisims seen on Tallon and life-form styled mechanoids seen on Aether.