The meerslug family is a family of eel-like creatures introduced in Pikmin 3, although the family went unclassified until Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Members are known to dig through the ground (usually sand) and lure prey into traps. It is named after its only member, the Sandbelching Meerslug. Members belong to the Gastropoidae genus.
Members
Sandbelching Meerslug
- Main article: Sandbelching Meerslug.
The Sandbelching Meerslug is a boss in Pikmin 3 and the third major boss encountered in Story Mode. It is a light brown amphibian-like creature resembling a lamprey, with very small eyes, thick purple lips and two rows of large sharp teeth. Further down its body, it gets wider and harbors spike-like protrusions. It is one of the largest Pikmin bosses to date.
Naming
The word "Meerslug" might come from "meerkat", an animal known to dig through dirt and sand, and "slug", which Meerslug members resemble.
The "Gastropoidae" genus comes from the real-world class "gastropoda", which encompasses slugs and snails. The scientific name is incorrectly formed, with "-oidea" and "-idae" both being common suffixes in taxonomy, but used for superfamily and family names respectively, rather than a genus.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
オオウナゴ科? Oo unago ka |
Giant eel family | ウナゴ? is derived from ウナギ? (lit.: "eel") and アナゴ? (lit.: "conger") |
 Chinese(traditional) |
大穴鰻科 | ||
 French |
congrilles géants | giant conger eels | "congrilles" is derived from congre (conger) and anguille (eel) |
 German |
Schneckaale | ||
 Korean |
거대장어 과 | ||
 Spanish |
Anguílidos | From anguila (eel) |
