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{{distinguish|Koopa Troopa}}
{{species infobox
{{species infobox
|title=Koopa
|title=Koopa
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|relatives=[[Boom Boom]]<br>[[Sumo Bro]]
|relatives=[[Boom Boom]]<br>[[Sumo Bro]]
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|collapsed=true
|collapsed=true
}}
}}


{{quote|Looks are deceiving, when Koopas are involved!|Luigi|Hotel Mario}}
{{quote|Looks are deceiving, when Koopas are involved!|Luigi|Hotel Mario}}
'''Koopas''' are a race of large, powerful creatures designed with a mix of traits from softshell turtles,<ref name="LeMonde">William Andureau (December 06, 2018). "[https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/12/06/les-confidences-du-dessinateur-historique-des-personnages-nintendo_5393660_4408996.html Les confidences du dessinateur historique des personnages Nintendo]". ''Le Monde''. Retrieved December 14, 2018 (English translation available [https://www.marioboards.com/index.php?topic=40508.0 here])</ref> oxen,<ref>Nintendo.com. [https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/dsi/7/3/ Iwata Asks: Nintendo DSi, Volume 8 - Flipnote Studio - An Animation Class (part 4)]. Retrieved April 30, 2023.</ref> hippopotamuses,<ref name="LeMonde></ref> ''{{wp|Ankylosauria}}n'' dinosaurs, and dragons, which serve as leaders in the eponymous [[Koopa (species)|Koopa clan]]. The most notable member of this group is [[Bowser]], who is also the first introduced and most recurring; all other members are based on him in some manner, and the species name is interchangeable with his own name in Japanese. Koopas tend to have great strength, magical abilities, and fire breath, and even the smallest adolescent ones are about as large as fully-grown members of many other species.<ref>[[Media:Size chart.jpg|Size comparison chart]]</ref><ref>[https://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452033569e201b8d0b43f5b970c 1993 Nintendo Character Guide Comparison Chart that includes some Koopalings] and [https://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452033569e201b7c72a96cb970b 1993 Nintendo Character Guide Comparison Chart that includes Toad.] ''Press The Buttons''. Retrieved October 14,2015.</ref> Koopas are fairly uncommon, with only a very small amount appearing in most games, and most of those being named characters rather than generic members. In the 1991 Japanese ''Super Mario Complete Encyclopedia'', the Koopalings, who are members of the race, were stated to be part of Bowser's royal family,「王族」(''ō-zoku''), which translates as the "king tribe".<ref name="SMCE">In both {{file link|SMCE pages 18 19.png|the ''Super Mario World'' section}}, {{file link|SMCE page 214.png|the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' section}} and {{file link|SMCE pages 88 89.png|the section about the Koopa Troop}} of the ''Super Mario Complete Encyclopedia'' (「スーパーマリオ{{ruby|全百科|オールひゃっか}}」), a book {{file link|SMCE page 256.png|written in 1991 in collaboration with Nintendo}}, the Koopalings are considered, along with Bowser, to be part of the ''King Tribe'' (「{{ruby|王|おう}}{{ruby|族|ぞく}}」), that {{file link|SMCE pages 88 89.png|page 89}} states being formed by ''every member of the royal family that leads the Bowser Army corps'' (「クッパ{{ruby|軍団|ぐんだん}}を{{ruby|統率|とうそつ}}する{{ruby|王家|おうけ}}の{{ruby|面々|めんめん}}」). In particular, their relationship is explained in the ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' section of the book, where the Koopalings are stated, on {{file link|SMCE pages 150 151.png|page 151}}, to be Bowser's children「クッパの{{ruby|子|こ}}ども、コクッパたち」) and where Bowser on {{file link|SMCE page 228.png|page 228}} is referred to as the ''demon/sorcerer king'' (「{{ruby|大魔王|だいまおう}}」) and on {{file link|SMCE page 214.png|page 214}} Larry Koopa is stated to be the ''youngest child of the demon/sorcerer king'' (「{{ruby|大魔王|だいまおう}}の{{ruby|末|すえ}}っ{{ruby|子|こ}}」), while the Koopalings are stated to be siblings as well (「コクッパ7{{ruby|兄弟|きょうだい}}」).</ref>
'''Koopas''' are a race of large, powerful creatures designed with a mix of traits from softshell turtles,<ref name="LeMonde">William Andureau (December 06, 2018). "[https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2018/12/06/les-confidences-du-dessinateur-historique-des-personnages-nintendo_5393660_4408996.html Les confidences du dessinateur historique des personnages Nintendo]". ''Le Monde''. Retrieved December 14, 2018 (English translation available [https://www.marioboards.com/index.php?topic=40508.0 here])</ref> oxen,<ref>Nintendo.com. [https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/dsi/7/3/ Iwata Asks: Nintendo DSi, Volume 8 - Flipnote Studio - An Animation Class (part 4)]. Retrieved April 30, 2023.</ref> hippopotamuses,<ref name="LeMonde></ref> ''{{wp|Ankylosauria}}n'' dinosaurs, and dragons, which serve as leaders in the eponymous [[Koopa (species)|Koopa clan]]. The most notable member of this group is [[Bowser]], who is also the first introduced and most recurring; all other members are based off him in some manner, and the species name is interchangeable with his own name in Japanese. Koopas tend to have great strength, magical abilities, and fire breath, and even the smallest adolescent ones are about as large as fully-grown members of many other species.<ref>[[Media:Size chart.jpg|Size comparison chart]]</ref><ref>[https://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452033569e201b8d0b43f5b970c 1993 Nintendo Character Guide Comparison Chart that includes some Koopalings] and [https://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452033569e201b7c72a96cb970b 1993 Nintendo Character Guide Comparison Chart that includes Toad.] ''Press The Buttons''. Retrieved October 14,2015.</ref> Koopas are fairly uncommon, with only a very small amount appearing in most games, and most of those being named characters rather than generic members.


==Appearance==
==Appearance==
Koopas stand upright, though depending on the game, they may have a pronounced slouch. Their shells usually have large carapaces with seven to ten spikes on them, though early adaptations have as few as one spike on certain individuals; the spikes sometimes have rings around the bases. The shells can come in a variety of colors, though green is the most common. Sometimes, the shells are shown with rough, hexagonal plates, while other times, the non-spiked area is shown as smooth, sometimes varying between individuals in the same game - generally, Bowser and other large members have the plates, while smaller members like the [[Koopalings]] lack them. Their shell's tan-colored plastrons (i.e., the undersides) are disconnected from the carapaces in a manner that makes it look simply like a padded belly, though when they retreat into their shells, the edges of the two halves pull tight against each other.  
Koopas stand upright, though depending on the game, they may have a pronounced slouch. Their shells usually have large carapaces with seven to ten spikes on them, though early adaptations have as few as one spike on certain individuals; the spikes sometimes have rings around the bases. The shells can come in a variety of colors, though green is the most common. Sometimes, the shells are shown with rough, hexagonal plates, while other times, the non-spiked area is shown as smooth, sometimes varying between individuals in the same game - generally, Bowser and other large members have the plates, while smaller members like the [[Koopalings]] lack them. Their shell's tan-colored plastrons (i.e., the undersides) are disconnected from the carapaces in a manner that makes it look simply like a padded belly, though when they retreat into their shells, the edges of the two halves pull tight against each other.


Rather than beaks like most turtles, Koopas have a fleshy, mammalian snout containing sharp teeth, though as [[Dry Bowser]] shows, the beak still exists on the skeleton. They can open their mouths wide to breathe fire in small bursts or long jets, and Bowser is also shown to be able to jet steam through his nostrils in the opening to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''. The remaining portion of Koopas' heads are scaled, as are their bodies; the scales between the head and body often differ in coloration. Koopas can also grow hair on their heads in addition to the scales, and a few members even grow a pair of horns. Koopas' eyes are shown in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and have sometimes been shown to glow yellow in the dark.
Rather than beaks like most turtles, Koopas have a fleshy, mammalian snout containing sharp teeth, though as [[Dry Bowser]] shows, the beak still exists on the skeleton. They can open their mouths wide to breath fire in small bursts or long jets, and Bowser is also shown to be able to jet steam through his nostrils in the opening to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''. The remaining portion of Koopas' heads are scaled, as are their bodies; the scales between the head and body often differ in coloration. Koopas can also grow hair on their heads in addition to the scales, and a few members even grow a pair of horns. Koopas' eyes are shown in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and have sometimes been shown to glow yellow in the dark.


Koopas typically have large, somewhat flat bodies with proportionally short-but-thick limbs. Most of the time, they have squat, stout torsos, though [[Iggy Koopa]] shows they can be tall and lanky. Their body scales are usually a yellowish-orange color, though [[Bowser's Brother]] has a blue body and [[Morton Koopa Jr.]] a brown one. Koopas have four short fingers on each hand including thumbs, each ending with a bony claw. Their feet have three toes each, also ending with bony claws, as well as a round pad underneath each foot. Koopas also have short tails, which sometimes grow a series of spikes or plates along the spine.
Koopas typically have large, somewhat flat bodies with proportionally short-but-thick limbs. Most of the time, they have squat, stout torsos, though [[Iggy Koopa]] shows they can be tall and lanky. Their body scales are usually a yellowish-orange color, though [[Bowser's Brother]] has a blue body and [[Morton Koopa Jr.]] a brown one. Koopas have four short fingers on each hand including thumbs, each ending with a bony claw. Their feet have three toes each, also ending with bony claws, as well as a round pad underneath each foot. Koopas also have short tails, which sometimes grow a series of spikes or plates along the spine.


Most Koopas shown in the games are male; the only female one in first-party media, [[Wendy O. Koopa]], only differs from the males physically by having a large pair of lips and somewhat curved legs with small feet. {{file link|SMO Concept Art - Broodals as Koopa.jpg|A conceptual design}} for the [[Broodals]] in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' depicted them as four female Koopas with diverse designs, with one being extremely heavyset and another having a thinner, more humanoid torso.
Most Koopas shown in the games are male; the only female one in first-party media, [[Wendy O. Koopa]], only differs from the males physically by having a large pair of lips and somewhat curved legs with small feet. {{media link|SMO Concept Art - Broodals as Koopa.jpg|A conceptual design}} for the [[Broodals]] in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' depicted them as four female Koopas with diverse designs, with one being extremely heavyset and another having a thinner, more humanoid torso.


In certain early Western adaptations, some Koopas (notably Bowser himself) have almost entirely green heads and bodies, more crocodilian faces, and yellow sclera. Despite this, some others (notably the Koopalings) are depicted more similar to their game appearances. In the earliest of these, they are often generically called "'''lizards'''," though after the Koopalings were introduced, this occurred less. In the Western animated television series ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', [[Wendy O. Koopa|Kootie Pie (Wendy O. Koopa)]] self describes her race to be that of a "'''royal reptile'''".<ref name="AOSMB3">"I'll have you know I'm a royal reptile and I command you to play a private concert for me this instant!" [[Kootie Pie Rocks]]</ref>
In certain early western adaptations, some Koopas (notably Bowser himself) have almost entirely green heads and bodies, more crocodilian faces, and yellow sclera. Despite this, some others (notably the Koopalings) are depicted more similar to their game appearances. In the earliest of these, they are often generically called "'''lizards'''," though after the Koopalings were introduced, this occurred less.


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
Koopas are in general fairly strong, with some also being heavy enough to create shockwaves by stomping extra hard after a jump; they can also jump quite high in most of their appearances. When retracted into their shells they can spin to move around and are able to control their speed and path, as well as jump. Sometimes, the shell can even be rolled into a [[Spike Ball (move)|Spike Ball]] similar to a [[Spiny Egg]]. On rare occasions, they are shown to be able to walk on walls and ceilings, similar to certain [[Buzzy Beetle]]s. In some cases, such as with Ludwig von Koopa and also Baby Bowser, Koopas are shown to have eyeshine in the dark, implying they possess natural night-vision.
Koopas are in general fairly strong, with some also being heavy enough to create shockwaves by stomping extra hard after a jump; they can also jump quite high in most of their appearances. When retracted into their shells they can spin to move around and are able to control their speed and path, as well as jump. Sometimes, the shell can even be rolled into a [[Spike Ball (move)|Spike Ball]] similar to a [[Spiny Egg]]. On rare occasions, they are shown to be able to walk on walls and ceilings, similar to certain [[Buzzy Beetle]]s.


A recurring trait is the ability to [[Fire Breath|breathe fire]] in various ways; originally this was displayed almost exclusively by Bowser himself, though as time went on, other members were shown to be able to do so as well. The fire can come in small flares (often in large arrays) or large streams, with more powerful bursts requiring a deep breath or, as shown by [[Bowser Jr.]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' holding the mouth shut for several moments while exhaling to store it in the cheeks before finally letting it out. The fire itself can be highly destructive, as in many games it can destroy [[Brick Block]]s and stone platforms; in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', Bowser can even breathe solid [[meteor]]s. As shown in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', the fire is dependent on a particular tube near the lungs called the [[Flame Pipe]], which nullifies the ability if obstructed. Long jets can only be breathed for a certain amount of time, as the length and power peters out after too long a use, causing the user to run out of breath.
A recurring trait is the ability to [[Fire Breath|breath fire]] in various ways; originally this was displayed almost exclusively by Bowser himself, though as time went on, other members were shown to be able to do so as well. The fire can come in small flares (often in large arrays) or large streams, with more powerful bursts requiring a deep breath or, as shown by [[Bowser Jr.]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' holding the mouth shut for several moments while exhaling to store it in the cheeks before finally letting it out. The fire itself can be highly destructive, as in many games it can destroy [[Brick Block]]s and stone platforms; in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', Bowser can even breath solid [[meteor]]s. As shown in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'', the fire is dependent on a particular tube near the lungs called the [[Flame Pipe]], which nullifies the ability if obstructed. Long jets can only be breathed for a certain amount of time, as the length and power peters out after too long a use, causing the user to run out of breath.


Koopas are capable of magic, particularly when in possession of a [[Magic Wand]]; this is primarily shown by the Koopalings, though Bowser occasionally uses it as well and was originally introduced as a master of dark magic. Usually, the magic manifests as a brightly glowing projectile that purely acts as a painful attack, though they have also been shown to use transformative, summoning, and teleportation magic, while Bowser combines dark magic and physical strength for a claw-swiping attack in ''Super Mario Galaxy''. It is implied by the [[Koopalings]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' that they can combine their magic to increase its power, but that they are individually less strong magically than experienced [[Magikoopa]]s like [[Kamek]].
Koopas are capable of magic, particularly when in possession of a [[Magic Wand]]; this is primarily shown by the Koopalings, though Bowser occasionally uses it as well and was originally introduced as a master of dark magic. Usually, the magic manifests as a brightly glowing projectile that purely acts as a painful attack, though they have also been shown to use transformative, summoning, and teleportation magic, while Bowser combines dark magic and physical strength for a claw-swiping attack in ''Super Mario Galaxy''. It is implied by the [[Koopalings]] in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' that they can combine their magic to increase its power, but that they are individually less strong magically than experienced [[Magikoopa]]s like [[Kamek]].


An ability used almost exclusively by Bowser is a large, mighty roar, which is powerful enough to shake the surrounding area. In general, Bowser has a very deep, gravelly, and animalistic voice (an exception being ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', where he has a comically high-pitched voice), while smaller members tend to have more varying human-like voices. [[Baby Bowser|As a baby]], he also has a high-pitched voice like a human toddler, implying that this ability comes with age, like many real-world creatures capable of roaring. That said, he does have the ability to roar in a low volume, as evidenced by how he made clear to Kamek that he had actually been awake just before confronting Yoshi, and to a lesser extent after being [[Mega Baby Bowser|enlarged]] by Kamek shortly afterward.
An ability used almost exclusively by Bowser is a large, mighty roar, which is powerful enough to shake the surrounding area. In general, Bowser has a very deep, gravelly, and animalistic voice (an exception being ''[[Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Dai Sakusen!]]'', where he has a comically high-pitched voice), while smaller members tend to have more varying human-like voices. [[Baby Bowser|As a baby]], he also has a high-pitched voice like a human toddler, implying that this ability comes with age, like many real-world creatures capable of roaring.


As with certain other members of the Koopa clan, Koopas' shells can be removed, though this is rarely shown; in the PC versions of ''[[Mario is Missing! (PC)|Mario is Missing!]]'', [[Luigi]] yanks Bowser's shell off, but in first-party games, this is only shown via empty [[Bowser's Shell]]s appearing as offensive items or armor upgrades in a few games. ''Super Mario Galaxy'' shows that the shell's spikes can be shattered with enough force, but can also be regrown instantaneously.
As with certain other members of the Koopa clan, Koopas' shells can be removed, though this is rarely shown; in the PC versions of ''[[Mario is Missing!]]'', [[Luigi]] yanks Bowser's shell off, but in first-party games, this is only shown via empty [[Bowser's Shell]]s appearing as offensive items or armor upgrades in a few games. ''Super Mario Galaxy'' shows that the shell's spikes can be shattered with enough force, but can also be regrown instantaneously.


==Attire==
==Attire==
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CartoonKoopaFamily.jpg|''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
CartoonKoopaFamily.jpg|''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]''
TheTroubleWithKoopas.jpg|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[The Trouble With Koopas]]")
TheTroubleWithKoopas.jpg|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[The Trouble With Koopas]]")
Mush-Rumors.png|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[Mush-Rumors]]")
Mush-Rumors.jpg|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[Mush-Rumors]]")
ContinentsforKoopas3.png|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[7 Continents for 7 Koopas]]")
ContinentsforKoopas3.png|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[7 Continents for 7 Koopas]]")
CasanovaKoopa.jpg|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[The Beauty of Kootie]]")
CasanovaKoopa.jpg|''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'' ("[[The Beauty of Kootie]]")
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|JapR=Kuppa
|JapR=Kuppa
|JapM=[[Bowser]]
|JapM=[[Bowser]]
|Jap2={{hover|王族|おうぞく}}<ref>{{file link|SMCE pages 88 89.png|page 89 of the ''Super Mario Complete Encyclopedia'' (「スーパーマリオ全百科」)}}, in which the various types of Koopas are put in groups according to how they are related.</ref>
|Jap2={{hover|王系|おうけい}}<ref>{{media link|SMCE pages 88 89.png|page 89 of the ''Super Mario Complete Encyclopedia'' (「スーパーマリオ全百科」)}}, in which the various types of Koopas are put in groups according to how they are related.</ref>
|Jap2R=Ō-zoku
|Jap2R=Ō-zoku
|Jap2M=King tribe<ref name="SMCE"/>
|Jap2M=King tribe
|Jap3=クッパ{{hover|系|けい}}<ref>{{file link|PEGMCE page 193.png|page 193 of the ''Perfect Edition of the Great Mario Character Encyclopedia'' (「パーフェクト版マリオキャラクター大事典」)}}, in which the various types of Koopas are put in groups according to how they are related.</ref>
|Jap3=クッパ{{hover|系|けい}}<ref>{{media link|PEGMCE page 193.png|page 193 of the ''Perfect Edition of the Great Mario Character Encyclopedia'' (「パーフェクト版マリオキャラクター大事典」)}}, in which the various types of Koopas are put in groups according to how they are related.</ref>
|Jap3R=Kuppa-kei
|Jap3R=Kuppa-kei
|Jap3M=Bowser's group
|Jap3M=Bowser's group

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