The Kriken are a ruthless insectoid race of alien beings whom everyone attempts to escape from at first sight.

The Kriken have a distinct body style, as their heads seem to be bound to their bodies by no visible connection. Their body structure is akin to that of the Alimbics, suggesting that the the two species evolved from a common ancestor. They also have a unique crimson-red skin coloring, and apparently have some sort of biological stealth system that causes their bodies to become transparent. This cloaking mechanism is very convenient, as the Kriken race have very fragile limbs.

The Kriken run a huge Empire, and when one of their species becomes of full age, he/she must set out to conquer a suitable planet for their race to consume as a rite of passage; those who conquer more valuable planets gain more prestige within the Kriken empire, and can even be considered heroes, but new alien technology may also be acceptable for hero status. Trace, a Kriken bounty hunter, appears in Metroid Prime Hunters, seeking the Ultimate Power that Gorea used to tempt all the bounty hunters in the game, as means to conquer a good planet with more ease.