Ronal and Tonowari

The Metkayina have apparently adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, exhibiting considerable differences from mainland Na'vi. Their eyes have grown significantly larger and are blue or green instead of yellow, their forearms and lower legs have expanded to include a fin-like structure known as a 'strake,' and their tails have broadened into a paddle shape and lack a tuft of hair at the end. They also possess a nictitating membrane, or 'third eyelid.' The upper body is more robust, particularly in males, who also have a slightly different thoracic structure than mainland males.

Curly hair appears to be the norm in the clan. Their skin also varies toward a greener or turquoise hue rather than the traditional blue, with flowing, wavy stripes. Like land sharks and other marine creatures, the Metkayina have light-colored areas on their bellies and faces.

One of their rituals for newborns is known as First Breath. It is a highly symbolic birth ritual in which the entire clan participates. It takes place in shallow water, and the Tsahìk help the mother give birth to a child who emerges directly from the womb into the water. This symbolizes Metkayina's deep connection to water, which is their second home. The newborn then has to swim out of the water on their own, representing a symbolic transition from water to air. The name of the ritual refers to the child's first breath after surfacing.

Like the adolescents of the Omatikaya clan, young Metkayina must complete a series of coming-of-age rituals, known to the Metkayina as iknimaya, before they can be considered adults. One of these rites involves union with a tsurak; others are various tests with their spiritual brother or sister, tulkun. Once a Metkayina has completed all these rites, they are given a special garment, their first tattoo, and three beads for their singing string.

The Metkayina live along the shores of Pandora's oceans, on islands or near the mainland. Their homes are marui pods built in the roots of mangrove-like trees that grow across the islands. These houses hang directly over the water, presumably for easy access while swimming. Enormous marine terraces, resembling travertine terraces, protect the villages from strong waves and provide the clan with an easy place to fish. Some Metkayina villages have existed for thousands of years. Structures are constantly being renewed but rarely replaced. The main village of Awa'atlu is protected by a seawall with a 6-kilometer radius. It features small docks for canoes, a centralized ilu corral, and communal areas for gathering, eating, storytelling, and singing.

The Metkayina islands and their surrounding waters are home to numerous unique species of flora and fauna, such as the green dorado, the pincer fish, and the papa mantis tree. Ancestral Cove is a sacred area for the Metkayina and is home to their principal sacred site, the Spirit Tree.

This clan takes advantage of its extensive and diverse habitat in many ways and maintains a close relationship with water.

The Metkayina maintain a close relationship with the tulkuns, sentient, whale-like creatures of Pandora, and are able to communicate with them. The Metkayina consider them their siblings, as each member has a tulkun, a "spiritual brother/sister," and they share their religion.

Just as clans like the Omatikaya and the Olangi ride warg horses to traverse the landmasses of Pandora, the Metkayina use ilu as their preferred companion to glide across the oceans of Pandora.

The Metkayina are an oceanic Na'vi clan located on the reefs of Pandora, in the Eastern Sea. Of the more than 50 reef clans, the Metkayina are the largest. The clan is led by Tonowari and Ronal, who live in the clan's main village, Awa'atlu.