The catoblepas is a creature believed to exist in Africa. It is said to be a boar-like monster, roughly the size of a water buffalo. It has short, bristly hair and a scaly hide. It has a long, thin neck leading to an extremely heavy head which it carries low to the ground. Making eye contact with the monster causes instant death. It is most often encountered in swampy areas and wetlands.

It is possible that early European explorers merely misidentified water buffalo or warthogs for this monster.