Crites defenses are comprised of natural weapons built into their bodies, from spiney barbs, to sharp rows of teeth. While never shown to be used, Crites also have three sharp claws on their hands and feet.
Spiny barbs[]
One such mechanism is the ability to shoot a poison barb like a projectile at a victim.[1][2] The barb injects a type of poison into the victim's bloodstream, causing the victim to fall asleep or unconscious for an unspecified amount of time.[1] It is shown that removing the barb awakens the victim. It is not revealed whether these barbs affect other Crites. The fourth film is the only film in which the Crites do not utilize their poison barbs. The size and thickness of the barbs varies from film to film.
Crite teeth[]
Another mechanism is their rather large mouth filled with rows of sharp teeth. A Crite's bite is shown to be extremely effective and difficult to extricate. In most cases, a victim is forced to beat on the Crite's snout like that of a great white shark or crocodile, or stab the Krite with sharp objects enough that it releases its hold.
Crite shrill[]
In Critters 3, "Blackie" (as designated by another Crite), encounters Annie near the entrance on her way to find help. It opens its mouth and lets out a shrill and deafening scream that has enough power to shatter a jar. Although it serves the purpose of temporarily disarming or stunning the victim, it also serves as a beacon to alert the other Crites. This mechanism is never used or heard of in any other installment.
