Iridescent Lion
These Lion-like Rahi are named for their iridescent armor and fur. Their armor and fur can trick the Matoran eye when tilted at a certain angle, causing the Matoran’s eye to either see white and gold or blue and black. Some Matoran biologists argue whether white and gold or black and blue are their natural colors they are born with.
These Lions use their iridescence to hide in tall grass while hunting for prey. Their blue and black illusion especially helps when they hunt at night due to the dark colors.
Iridescent Lions have very obvious and noticeable sexual dimorphism, the male Lions have large, golden manes and fur on their elbows, as well as generally being larger, female Lions (Lionesses) lack these said features.
Unlike most feline Rahi, Iridescent Lions are very social and most of the time live in large groups known as prides. They are known for being territorial around other prides as a way to show dominance, however.
Iridescent Lions became a symbol of the Fire Clan of medieval Uniki after Unikian traders discovered these Lions in Moccoto when trading materials and food. These Lions also became a symbol of courage and royalty due to them being at the top of the Rahi Food Chain, and are sometimes referred to as “Kings” or “Queens” due to their rank.
Like most Moccotoan Rahi, they reside in the savannas of the outskirts of Moccoto.
Due to (now illegal) hunting of these Lions for their beautiful golden manes, they are now currently slowly rising from being endangered and have moved up to the “Vulnerable” rank.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Fun Fact: Their ability is based on the Dress Meme
