Fiery Bulblax

Fiery Bulblax
Appears in	Pikmin 2
Scientific name	Oculus vulcanus
Family	Grub-dog
Areas	Valley of Repose, Perplexing Pool
Caves	Submerged Castle, Cavern of Chaos, Hole of Heroes, Dream Den
Challenge Mode stages	Green Hole, Cryptic Cavern, Hazard Training, Cave of Pain, Emperor's Realm
2-Player Battle stages	None
Attacks	Eats and burns Pikmin

The Fiery Bulblax is a fairly rare enemy found in Pikmin 2. Its body parts appear to be melting away from its body's intense heat waves, and more strangely, one of its eyes is smaller than the other. Its fiery aura is caused by the glands and oils on this creature's body that result in a chemical reaction, which causes fire to ignite on its hide. Only Red Pikmin can withstand the blaze of this creature's body. However, if lured to water, the flame will go out, making it a prime target for Blue Pikmin (other Pikmin can technically harm it safely as well, but will be at risk of drowning). It is recommended to use a spray against this enemy, because it's more aggressive than other members of its family.

Due to the Bulblax's curtain-esque shape, Pikmin may get stuck under its body when they carry it. If that happens, call them and try dismissing them to pick it back up. As well as sharing the name with it, the Fiery Bulblax's melted features make it resemble the Emperor Bulblax, despite being the same size, and having the same attack strategy as, the smaller members of the the Grub-dog species.

Notes

Olimar's notes

“Bodily excretions of a highly flammable waxy substance interact with the cell structure of this grub-dog's skin, causing a chemical reaction that produces extremely high temperatures. The skin benefits from a spongy cell structure that diffuses the surface heat, protecting the creature's inner organs. Due to the astonishing amount of heat produced by this beast, it should be observed with great caution.”

Louie's notes

“No stove? No problem! This sizzling beast practically cooks itself. Remember to thoroughly extinguish the steaks prior to eating.”

Killing Strategy

Obviously, Red Pikmin are desirable due to the flames. Beat it as if it were a standard Red Bulborb, by peppering its back with reds. Fiery Bulblaxes have high health for a grub-dog and can sometimes attack after shaking Pikmin off. Fiery Bulblaxes can also eat Pikmin much faster than a normal Bulborb can. An Ultra-Spicy Spray may be desirable for killing it effectively and without danger.

However, sometimes a Fiery Bulblax must be fought with Blue Pikmin, such as the lone one at the Valley of Repose. To kill it here, lure it into the water. The flames on its back will go out, but it will soon realize this, turn around, and head for dry land. During that time, its primary urge will be to leave the water and re-ignite, so in this short space of time, Pikmin will be safe from attack. Since repeatedly throwing blues at it puts them at high risk of being eaten, simply use an Ultra-Bitter Spray and beat it down. Note that spraying a Fiery Bulblax that has not been extinguished will not allow non-red Pikmin to attack; the Bulblax will still have flames coming out of its back.

A more risky way of defeating this creature is to throw many Purple Pikmin at it, and each will deal some damage before bursting into flames. Save them and, while the Fiery Bulblax is still stunned, attack again. This eliminates the need for Blue or Red Pikmin.

Gallery

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  Fiery Bulblax concept art.

• Normal 13 Pikmin2 GCN Screen2.jpg

  Olimar and Louie, next to a Fiery Bulblax in the Perplexing Pool.

Trivia

• The Fiery Bulblax's Piklopedia icon is an 80x80 image. This is only used for bosses. This could mean that at some point during development, the Fiery Bulblax could have been a boss.