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| It is the [[version mascot]] of {{game|Yellow}}, where it is the only [[starter Pokémon]] in that game, and has made numerous appearances on the boxes of spin-off titles. | | It is the [[version mascot]] of {{game|Yellow}}, where it is the only [[starter Pokémon]] in that game, and has made numerous appearances on the boxes of spin-off titles. |
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| ==Biology==
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| ===Physiology===
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| A Pikachu is a short, chubby, ground-dwelling rodent notable for its Electric abilities. Pikachu have short, yellow fur with brown stripes on the back, red cheeks that can produce small jolts of electricity, a mouth that looks like a sideways three, black-tipped ears, along with an unusually shaped tail, resembling a lightning bolt. Besides its evolution and pre-evolution, it may be related to {{p|Plusle}}, {{p|Minun}}, {{p|Pachirisu}}, and {{p|Emolga}} due to notable physical similarities.
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| Pikachu are known to have acute senses of hearing, thanks to their large ears. Most domestic Pikachu are able to understand and interpret human speech at levels far surpassing those of any pet dog.
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| In ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'', when [[Ash's Pikachu]] was injured, it was shown to have a heart rate of 156.
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| ====Gender differences====
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| A female Pikachu has a v-shaped "dent" at the end of its tail. Male Pikachu do not have this dent. However, both genders' tails resemble a lightning bolt, fitting their Electric typing. In Black and White, male Pikachu have less black covering their ear, this is only shown in frontal sprites. Also female Pikachu have slightly longer ears, this is also only shown in frontal sprites.
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| ===Special abilities===
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| Exclusive to Pikachu is the ability to release electric {{m|discharge}}s of varying intensity, at will, through electric sacs in its cheeks. This electric energy can be manipulated into a variety of [[Move|techniques]] which are mostly used in {{pkmn|battle}}, but which can be used to roast berries as well.
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| As Pikachu builds up energy in its electricity glands, it often needs to discharge, as to not result in a short, or worse, which can lead to physical {{status|Paralysis|Paralysis}}, or in severe cases, death. Pikachu release the built-up energy through their tail, which acts as a grounding rod, to safely remove unneeded energy. A sure sign to tell if a location is inhabited by Pikachu is to look for patches of burnt grass, which is the result of the discharge. Through an inability to release a buildup of electricity, a Pikachu may develop a rare condition similar to the human flu. This illness is most often caused by strong nearby electromagnetic forces, which severely impact the electric glands. If a Pikachu is introduced to a magnet, it will be attracted towards its cheeks, and display other common attributes of magnetism.
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| Pikachu and its evolution family, {{p|Pichu}} and {{p|Raichu}}, are the [[Signature move|only known Pokémon]] that can learn {{m|Volt Tackle}}. In a [[Pikachu variants#Surfing Pikachu|few rare cases]], Pikachu can learn to {{m|Rain Dance|manipulate}} {{t|Water}} and, with the help of a surfboard, perform the move {{m|Surf}}. [[Pikachu variants#Flying Pikachu|Other rare cases]] show that Pikachu can also learn, with the use of balloons, to perform the move {{m|Fly}}. Pikachu also have their own signature held item - the {{DL|Stat-enhancing item|Light Ball}}. This item boosts a Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stat, and, when held by a Pikachu in the daycare center, causes the offspring to know the move {{m|Volt Tackle}}.
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| ===Behavior===
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| In the wild, Pikachu often travel in packs, and are rarely territorial. However, when threatened, a group can generate an intense electrical offensive, and the electro-magnetic forces exerted by the resulting field can even produce a short lived, localized thunderstorm. Pikachu can be harmful pests, eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment.
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| Despite this, it is a popular pet, and relatively easy to maintain, with little exercise necessary for its well being. However, it is important to discharge the electricity in its cheeks periodically.
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| As many know, pulling on a Pikachu's tail will result in a severe shock to the offender. Another defense of Pikachu's is the use of its nasty {{m|Bite}} which has been known to leave quite a mark.
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| ===Habitat===
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| [[File:Forest.gif|right|frame|{{DL|List of Pokémon by habitat|Forest Pokémon}}]]
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| They are found mostly in forests, but possibly because of their attraction to their electricity or simply because they are not afraid of people, Pikachu commonly show up in civilized areas. They may even enter houses, presumably attracted by the electrical output generated by the dwellers' appliances. Pikachu are native only to the [[Kanto]] region (specifically, the [[Viridian Forest]] and the [[Power Plant|Kanto Power Plant]]), although they have been introduced to the {{safari|Hoenn|Hoenn Safari Zone}} and to the [[Trophy Garden]] in [[Sinnoh]].
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| ===Diet===
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| {{main|Pokémon food}}
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| Living in forested areas, Pikachu often are found foraging for [[berry|berries]]. Instead of climbing trees, they use small electrical shocks to release the berries from the tree, roasting them at the same time. They especially like [[Oran Berry|Oran Berries]], which wild Pikachu are often seen holding.
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| As pets, they can be fed a variety of processed food. Alternatively, like most Pokémon, Pikachu are tolerant to most "human" foods, and sometimes enjoy them more than the more nutritional food designed for their biology. An example of this is the fact that [[Ash's Pikachu]] has been known to have a fondness of ketchup. Pikachu is also occasionally seen eating apples.
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| ==In the anime== | | ==In the anime== |