Raichu
Scientific Name
Electrus voltatus
Types
electric
Pokedex Entry
Electrus voltatus, commonly known as Raichu, is a medium-sized mammal resembling a rodent that exhibits remarkable bioelectrogenesis capabilities. This species has evolved specialized electric pouches located in its cheeks, capable of generating electrical discharges of up to 100,000 volts, primarily used for self-defense and communication. Raichu’s long, flexible tail functions as a grounding mechanism, allowing it to safely discharge excess electricity into the ground and avoid self-harm. These creatures exhibit heightened aggression when electrical energy accumulates within their bodies, prompting them to vent this energy through aggressive behaviors and powerful electric bursts. Raichu is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits and nuts, but may exhibit opportunistic behaviors in foraging. This species thrives in warm, tropical environments where thunderstorms are frequent, allowing it to recharge its energy directly from atmospheric electricity. With a slight bioluminescent glow in low light, Raichu can attract mates and signal its presence to conspecifics.
Alolan Raichu
Scientific Name
Electrus voltatus alolae
Types
Electric
Psychic
Pokedex Entry
Electrus voltatus alolae, commonly referred to as the Alolan raichu, is a tropical subspecies of Electrus voltatus that has undergone notable adaptive divergence due to environmental and dietary pressures unique to island ecosystems. Native to humid coastal regions with high barometric variability, this species demonstrates an extraordinary integration of bioelectrogenesis and neurochemical magnetoreception. Unlike its mainland counterpart, the Alolan raichu exhibits both enhanced electric discharge capability and refined control of its nervous system via specialized glial networks. These adaptations grant the animal psychokinetic-like locomotion—it appears to levitate by manipulating electromagnetic fields around its tail, which it uses as a planar surfboard-like structure for gliding across sandy terrain and shallow water surfaces. This form of locomotion likely evolved in response to the island’s expansive, flat coral beaches and the need to traverse them efficiently. The species’ reliance on neuro-enhancing alkaloids found in certain local flora—such as the native morinda citrifolia (noni fruit) and nutrient-dense fungi associated with fermented root-based pancake batter—suggests a coevolutionary dietary dependency. These foods are believed to stimulate the development of neural structures that facilitate its unique electric-psychic interface. Alolan raichus emit a low-frequency hum and a faint, sweet scent from their cheek pouches, which serve both as an electrochemical lure and a mild defensive mechanism. This bioluminescent scent-marking likely aids in territory definition and mate selection. Social by nature, they are most active during dawn and dusk, often seen gliding in small groups near coastal groves or open beaches. Their behavior exhibits a high degree of playfulness and curiosity, likely tied to the neurological stimulation provided by their environment and diet.
