Pikmin family
- This article is about the species/family. For the real world video-games, see Pikmin series.
Pikmin are a plant-animal species, first discovered by Captain Olimar when he got stranded on their planet in the first game. The Pikmin are loyal to Olimar whenever he comes, and he may have taught them some degree of survival, considering they weren't extinct in Pikmin 2. They come in many colors, which state their attributes to the environment. They are 1 cm tall and they weigh 1 gram. One theory as to why the pikmin do not attack Olimar, Louie or the President is that the antennas on their helmets fool the pikmin into think that these captains are some kind of pikmin as well. This is more evident as the pikmin imitate the captains' running, and "head bop" upon being idle. Another thing the pikmin mimic is the things the captains do. For example, when a captain looks around, some of the other pikmin mimic that. When a captain talks on the radio (Cups his hands to his mouth), some idle pikmin do that in their free time, indicating their extreme (And in many cases adorable) loyalty.
Known species
These are the species so far encountered in the first two games.
Red Pikmin
- Main article: Red Pikmin.
Red Pikmin were the first species of Pikmin discovered. Their unique physical appearance is their pointed noses. These Pikmin are fireproof, and have slightly higher strength than the other Pikmin, except for Purple Pikmin.
Yellow Pikmin
- Main article: Yellow Pikmin.
Yellow Pikmin have large ears. They are lighter than the other Pikmin, and they were recently discovered (in Pikmin 2) to be shockproof. They used to be able to carry and throw bomb-rocks, but in Pikmin 2, they have lost this ability. Now bomb-rocks are much larger, which may mean that they are too heavy to be carried.
Blue Pikmin
- Main article: Blue Pikmin.
Blue Pikmin have what appear to be mouths, but are actually gills. These Pikmin, unlike the others, can survive in water and are resistant to water-based attacks. If thrown into water or standing idle they will save any nearby drowning Pikmin by throwing them back to land.
Purple Pikmin
- Main article: Purple Pikmin.
Purple Pikmin are bulkier and larger than normal Pikmin and have several wiry hairs growing out of their head. These Pikmin can cause damage simply by being tossed on enemies (which may also stun enemies), and will actually scoot their bodies in the air to try and land directly on the enemy if not tossed directly above it. They can also pick up objects with the force of 10 Pikmin, but move more slowly, even at the flower stage. Like the White Pikmin, they can only be obtained via certain Candypop Buds, which are the violet ones.
White Pikmin
- Main article: White Pikmin.
White Pikmin are smaller than normal Pikmin and have red eyes. These Pikmin are resistant to poison, and also damage enemies that eat them. Their red eyes allow them to detect things buried underground. These Pikmin are also the fastest, and carry objects much quicker than other Pikmin. These Pikmin can only be obtained by throwing other Pikmin into Ivory Candypop Buds.
The Purple and White Pikmin are unique in the fact that they have no onions, can only be obtained through Candypop Buds, and that they have pink flowers/buds. Such things would label the Purple and White Pikmin as subspecies.
Bulbmin
- Main article: Bulbmin.
Introduced in Pikmin 2 Bulbmin are a combination of a parasitic (possibly green, orange, or green with orange stem) Pikmin and a juvenile Bulborb. They are immune to all hazards thanks to the Bulborbs anatomy. They are however weak in battle and unable to leave the caves in which they are found, making them ideal for use in Candypop Buds. They can carry objects and flower as normal.
Rumored species
If the player gathers every ship part in the first Pikmin game, they will see several different colors of onions. These include purple, brown, orange, black, pink, green, and light blue. It is unknown whether or not these colors will appear in future games.
Mushroom Pikmin
- Main article: Mushroom Pikmin.
When affected by the spores of a Puffstool, the Pikmin grow mushrooms on their heads and start to attack Olimar. The effect wears off when time runs out or the Puffstool is destroyed. They are found only in Pikmin 1, like the Puffstool.