Kraata

Kraata are a sluglike species that can evolve into Rahkshi if immersed in Energized Protodermis. Each has a unique power and can infect Kanohi Masks, enslaving the mask's wearers to the will of Makuta.

Makuta creates Kraata from his own essence, with each having one of his many powers as well as the ability to infect Kanohi Masks by touch.

However, Kraata rarely use their special powers so as to avoid calling attention to themselves. Makuta has mainly used Kraata to enslave the Rahi of Mata Nui in the thousand years that the Matoran lived there.

There are 42 breeds of Kraata. Each can go through 6 main stages of growth, but there is also a special seventh stage that few Kraata even have the genetic potential for, much less survive long enough to reach.

Once, a Kraata was experimented on and exposed to the same energies that turned six Bohrok into Bohrok-Kal. This enhanced Kraata-Kal was given armor much stronger than regular Rahkshi armor, and went on to join the Dark Hunters.

Kraata stages

 * Stage 1: Kraata is driven completely by instinct.
 * Stage 2: Kraata knows to avoid the light.
 * Stage 3: Kraata can avoid capture and has developed its powers.
 * Stage 4: Kraata can withstand sunlight for an hour or so.
 * Stage 5: Kraata knows Makuta's will.
 * Stage 6: Kraata is fully aware of its mission.
 * Stage 7: Or Shadow Kraata, is capable of infecting targets from a far distance. Shadow Kraata are not identified by their shape but by their color; they can take the shape of any of the previous six stages but are always purple. Most Kraata only develop to Stage 6, thus Shadow Kraata are very rare.

shadow leeches
Shadow Leeches are mutated Kraata which can be launched from the Tridax pod and are being used as a weapon by the Brotherhood of Makuta against the Av-Matoran. They feed on light, and can suck the light out of a being. The Shadow Leeches are responsible for the mutation and transformation into "Shadow Matoran" of several Av-Matoran.

Set Information
The Shadow Leeches are contained in the Tridax Pods, which can open up and "release" the leeches. Also, each leech has an axle hole in it, allowing it to attach onto other sets.