Antipodean Opaleye

Antipodean Opaleye
Species information
Eye colour	Multicoloured
Skin colour	Pearly
Related to	Dragon
Native to	New Zealand
Length of average adult	40ft
Mortality	Mortal
Ministry of Magic Classification	Beast XXXXX
Status	Extant

The Antipodean Opaleye is a breed of Dragon native to New Zealand, although it is known to migrate to Australia in search of territory.

Description and traits

It resides in valleys, which is unusual as dragons typically reside on mountains. It is generally considered one of the most beautiful dragons, with pearly scales that line its body, and glittering multi-coloured eyes that have no pupils. The Opaleye's eggs are pale grey and have been known to be mistaken by Muggles for fossils and its flame was vivid red.

The Opaleye is not particularly aggressive, rarely killing unless it is hungry. Its prey of choice was sheep, but it has been known to attack larger animals. In the 1970s, several kangaroo killings were thought to have been caused by a male Opaleye that had been ousted from its territory by a dominant female.

Behind the scenes

• The dragon that was chained in the Gringotts vault shares the same characteristics as an Opaleye, although the dragon is believed to have become pale due to a lack of sunlight. It is revealed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, however, that the dragon guarding the Lestrange Vault is actually a Ukrainian Ironbelly.
• It is possible this breed was somewhat inspired by both the Taniwha and the Rainbow Serpent, Aboriginal New Zealand and Australian deities with high cultural impacts.

Appearances

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Illustrated Edition (First appearance)
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite