Catoblepas is a legendary creature from Ethiopia, described first by Pliny the Elder and later by Claudius Aelianus. It is said to have the body of a buffalo and the head of a hog. Its back has scales that protect the beast, and its head is always pointing downwards. Its stare or breath could either turn people into stone, or kill them. The catoblepas is often thought to be based on real-life encounters with wildebeast, such that some dictionaries say that the word is synonymous with "gnu."
"A monster of Greek mythology, appearing in the eight book of Pliny's "Natural History." Its name means "one who looks downward." The catoblepas was said to dwell in the west of Ethiopia, near the Nile River. It was described having the body of a black buffalo and the head of a pig or snake, with a slender rope-like neck. It was stocky in build, and its body was covered by incredibly hard fur. Its breath was said to be deadly poison, enough to instantly cause the plants around it to wither and die. The catoblepas also had a lethal gaze that would (turn) whatever its eye crossed to stone. However, its slender neck made it difficult to raise its head, and so it rarely had the chance to wield this power. The catoblepas is also sometimes identified with the Gorgons of Greek myths."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE Compendium
Catoblepas can be encountered within Suginami Tunnels and Nakano Stone Site's gold level instance.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey[]
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. It is said to have the body of an ox and the head of a pig. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads which keep their faces pointing downward. Contrary to their sluggishness, one look from its eyes could kill a person."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse[]
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. It is said to have the body of an ox and the head of a pig. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads which keep their faces pointing downward. Contrary to their sluggishness, though, one look from its eyes could kill a person."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium
Catoblepas be found in Ikebukuro. It can teach Nanashi the Titanomachia, Ziodyne and Eat Whole skills through its Demon Whisper. It benefits from learning Physical, Electricity and Darkness skills.
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers[]
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. It is said to have the body of an ox and the head of a pig. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads which keep their faces pointing downward. Though sluggish, it's said one look from its eyes can instantly kill a person."
—Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers 3DS Compendium
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner[]
Catoblepas serves as a boss in the Red configuration of the Brutes Base at Ajna. This version will frequently try to use Stone Gaze followed by a physical attack to kill enemies in one turn. When he begins to get low on HP, he will begin using Psycho Rage and Gate of Hell as well.
Devil Survivor Overclocked[]
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads, which keep their faces pointing downwards. To compensate for their sluggishness, one look from their eyes can kill a person"
—Devil Survivor Overclocked compendium
Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker[]
"They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads which keep their faces pointing downward. This Catoblepas lives near the source spring of the Nile River. Though sluggish and unintimidating, it's said that one look from its eyes can instantly kill a person."
—Devil Survivor 2 Compendium
Part of Special Fusion Pack Vol. 2, Catoblepas is a special fusion of Girimehkala and Basilisk.
