Sporovid family
The sporovid family consists of 2 fungi-like creatures with similar characteristics. Although different sizes, they all have a yellow body, a red cap, two strange antennae, and two stubby legs.
The only known genus in this family is Aspergilla, which consists of both members.
Members
Puffstool
- Main article: Puffstool.
The Puffstool is a normally harmless boss in Pikmin and Pikmin 4 that when threatened, is capable of converting the player's Pikmin into Mushroom Pikmin by releasing spores. It has two stubby legs and a large body. Converted Pikmin follow the Puffstool and attack healthy Pikmin and Captain Olimar if they get near. It cannot create Mushroom Pikmin in Pikmin 4, but can confuse Pikmin to prevent them from attacking it.
Puffstalk
- Main article: Puffstalk.
The Puffstalk is a harmless creature found in Hey! Pikmin that comes out of holes. It carries a treasure inside, so it must be defeated to complete the game.
Toxstool
A Puffstool relative introduced in Pikmin 4 that releases poison instead of panic inducing gas. It can create poisonous mushrooms, spreads patches of sticky mold, and can infect creatures to help spread spores. It can also resurrect slain Moldy Dwarf Bulborbs and Moldy Slooches by exposing their corpses to its spores.
Moldy Dwarf Bulborb
The Moldy Dwarf Bulborb is a young Bulborb that has been parasitized by Toxstool spores. Throwing Pikmin on its back causes it to release poison gas, requiring the player to either charge it or use White Pikmin against it.
Moldy Slooch
The Moldy Slooch is a Pyroclastic Slooch that has been parasitized by Toxstool spores. Instead of leaving behind a trail of flames, it produces poison gas.
Mushroom Pikmin
- Main article: Mushroom Pikmin.
Official family unknown
Similar to the Moldy Slooch and the Moldy Dwarf Bulborb, Mushroom Pikmin are possessed Pikmin created by the spores of a Puffstool. Although they are yet to be confirmed as members of the family, the Japanese website stated that they may no longer count as Pikmin.[1]
Naming
The family name, Sporovid, is a reference to the real-world spores fungi use to reproduce. Aspergilla is derived from "Aspergillus", a genus belonging to many species of fungus.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
ボケナメコ科? Boke Nameko Ka |
Stupid nameko family |
 Korean |
멍텅버섯 과 |
Trivia
- The family name Sporovid was first featured in the Prima guidebook for the original Pikmin game, as was the genus name, Aspergilla. For unknown reasons, Pikmin 4 ignores the Aspergilla genus, despite it being used in Hey! Pikmin, opting instead for Fungirussus.
