Bulborb
01redbulborb.png
Appears in PikminPikmin 2
Scientific name Oculus kageyamii russus
Family Grub-dog
Areas Pikmin 1
The Forest of Hope
Pikmin 2
Valley of Repose
Awakening Wood
Caves Hole of Beasts
Hole of Heroes
Dream Den
Angle Maze
Challenge Mode stages Pikmin 1
The Forest of Hope
The Distant Spring
Pikmin 2
Explorer's Cave
Lost Toy Box
Red Chasm
Collector's Room
Breeding Ground
Emperor's Realm
2-Player Battle stages None
Attacks Eats Pikmin

Red Bulborbs are among the most well-known enemies in the Pikmin games, appearing in almost every area in both games. They were originally known as Spotty Bulborbs until various other subspecies, all with spots, were discovered in Pikmin 2. It seems that the young Red Bulborb is the favored host of the parasitic Pikmin known as Bulbmin. This type of Pikmin appears to control its host, causing the animal to behave less like a Bulborb and more like a Pikmin, following a Captain (which is naturally an older Bulbmin) and hunting in packs. Red Bulborbs are not observed at the two stages of development displayed by Bulbmin (between Bulborb Larva and their full size) anywhere else in-game (unlike the Spotty Bulbear and Emperor Bulblax), so it is unknown whether Bulbmin are a common stage in Red Bulborb initial development or not, as symbiotic cooperation from the parasite would give this slightly weaker form of Grub-dog an advantage in the subterranean environment that all stages of the Red Bulborb species are found in. The best known form, the large adults, also venture to the surface.

Red Bulborb

Olculus kageyamii russes

Grub-Dog Family

"This large organism has the familiar mandibles and crainal morphology of the grub-dog famliy, as well as the characteristic bulging eyes. As with most grub-dog, the creature's cranium comprises half of its total length and girth. Showing a scarlet abdomen with white spots, this creature is primarily nocturnal, choosing to prey upon smaller creatures returning to their nests. Originally classified as the spotty bulborb, further research has recassilflied this species as the red bulborb. Subspecies of varied colors have recentliy been discoverd, but academics are divided into two rival camps over how to handle their classification." by pikminmurphy

Ship Log

Note that there is only one entry for the similar species in the game.

"The most plentiful species on the planet, they are quite ferocious despite their appearance, using their massive jaws to swallow Pikmin whole. Frontal assaults result in disaster; attacks from behind are more successful. Attacking their legs is also effective."

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Brawl Trophy

"A creature whose Japanese name translates as "spotted crimson bug-eye." These bulky nocturnal animals have white-and-red-flecked rumps that resemble strawberries. Red bulborbs sleep in the day and wake in the evening to feed on small animals. Several colors of Bulborb subspecies have been discovered--their classification is a hot subject for scholars."

How to Defeat

File:Pikmin 002.jpg
Several Pikmin attacking a mature Red Bulborb.

Pikmin

Swarm it from the back with a large group of 60 or more Pikmin, preferably reds for their high attack power, and it will die. Note that if the game has been running for a while it may instantly be standing and will kill more pikmin than expected. If only a few Pikmin are available, repeatedly throw Pikmin onto the Bulborb's back and retreat if it starts charging at them. When it goes back to sleep, toss more Pikmin on its back. When attacking Dwarf Bulborbs they will sometimes screech when agitated and awaken nearby Red Bulborbs. Note that a glitch exists when the Bulborb moves in to attack that renders it invincible. Unless it is at very low health, expect some Pikmin to be devoured. With a large enough Pikmin group this shouldn't be a problem, though. If Bomb Rocks are used, the Bulborb will die with two or three blasts.

Pikmin 2

Rather than swarming it, try continuously tossing Pikmin onto its back, even if some are shaken off. A few purple Pikmin can cause serious damage, especially if they stun the Bulborb. If it is accidentally awakened it before attacking with Pikmin, run away until it turns around, and begins to fall asleep, if attacked at this moment, it will not realize it is being hurt until it begins to snore. In some metallic themed caves, Red Bulborbs and their kin can be led off of the stage by awakening it and quickly running around a crater in the sublevel, causing it to fall.

It has also been observed that hitting it from underneath could kill it immediately, but this is rare and not recommended.

Pikmin 3

In Pikmin 3, Red Bulborbs are back once again. They appear to have a new ability in which they scream and nearby Pikmin are blown backwards. They now have much more exaggerated features, which acts as a sort of battle mechanic; hitting one directly in the eye will cause the creature discomfort, stopping it from attacking for a short moment.[Citation Needed]

Gallery

Trivia

  • Along with Olimar, the Pikmin and Louie, the Red Bulborb is available as a plush toy, along with being a secret figurine in the first volume of Pikmin Figures.
  • The Red Bulborb's Japanese name translates to "spotted crimson bug-eye".
  • The Red Bulborb's scientific name translates to "eye kageyamii red".
  • On the title screen of Pikmin 2, pressing and holding the X button will summon a Red Bulborb onto the screen. The player can control it by using the C stick and can eat Pikmin using the Z button

See also