Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Antipodean Opaleye====== =====Introduction===== The Antipodean Opaleye is a breed of [[dragon]] native to [[New Zealand]], though it is also known to migrate to [[Australia]]. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful of all [[dragon]] species, distinguished by its pearly scales and opalescent, multi-coloured eyes. Despite its [[Ministry of Magic]] Classification of XXXXX (lethal / wizard-killer), it is generally less aggressive than other [[dragons]]. =====Biography===== The Antipodean Opaleye is unique among [[dragons]] for preferring to dwell in valleys rather than mountains. Its native habitat is [[New Zealand]], but its territory can extend across the sea to [[Australia]]. A notable historical event involving the species occurred in the late 1970s, when a wave of mysterious [[kangaroo]] deaths in [[Australia]] was traced back to a male Opaleye. It was discovered that the [[dragon]] had been forced from his territory in [[New Zealand]] by a more dominant female, demonstrating the species' capacity for long-distance migration when faced with territorial disputes. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== The Antipodean Opaleye is a medium-sized [[dragon]], weighing between two and three tonnes. Its most striking physical characteristics are its iridescent, pearly scales and its glittering, multi-coloured eyes which lack pupils, giving them the appearance of opals. This stunning appearance is the reason it is considered the most beautiful [[dragon]] breed. In terms of personality, the Opaleye is not considered particularly aggressive for a [[dragon]]. It typically hunts only when it is hungry and is less prone to unprovoked attacks than species like the [[Hungarian Horntail]] or [[Ukrainian Ironbelly]]. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== As a fully grown [[dragon]], the Antipodean Opaleye possesses powerful innate magical abilities common to its species. * **Dragon Fire:** It produces a very vivid, scarlet-coloured flame. * **Flight:** It is a strong flier, capable of making the trans-oceanic journey between [[New Zealand]] and [[Australia]]. * **Magical Resistance:** Like all [[dragons]], its hide is extremely durable and provides a high degree of resistance to most charms and [[spells]]. =====Possessions===== While the species does not have possessions in the conventional sense, it produces distinctive [[eggs]]. The [[eggs]] of an Antipodean Opaleye are pale grey and can be easily mistaken for fossils by [[Muggles]], who may not recognise their true nature. =====Relationships===== The Antipodean Opaleye's primary prey is [[sheep]], but it is known to hunt larger animals such as kangaroos when its preferred food source is scarce or it is driven into a new environment. Within its own species, territorial conflicts can occur, leading to weaker individuals being driven out of their native lands. [[Charlie Weasley]], a known [[dragon]] expert, expressed a particular fondness for the breed, calling it his "favourite". =====Etymology===== The name **Antipodean Opaleye** is directly descriptive of the [[dragon]]'s origins and most prominent feature. * **//Antipodean//:** This adjective refers to the Antipodes, a term used by people in the Northern Hemisphere to describe [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], which is the [[dragon]]'s native habitat. * **//Opaleye//:** This is a compound of "opal" and "eye," a clear reference to its signature glittering, multi-coloured, and pupil-less eyes. =====Behind the Scenes===== The primary source of canonical information on the Antipodean Opaleye is the textbook //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//. The breed is also mentioned in //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]// when [[Charlie Weasley]] is discussing the [[dragons]] selected for the [[First Task]] of the [[Triwizard Tournament]] with [[Rubeus Hagrid]]. Charlie suggests that the task would have been much easier had the champions faced an Opaleye. The Antipodean Opaleye also appears as a species in the //[[Hogwarts Legacy]]// video game (video game).
