Raichu

**Raichu** (Japanese: **ライチュウ** *Raichuu*) is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I, and an Electric/Psychic-type introduced in Generation VII.

## Biology

### Physiology

Raichu is a rodent-like Pokémon, similar to its previous evolution forms. Unlike Pichu or Pikachu, which both have yellow fur, Raichu has orange-brown fur. It has long ears and feet, but has stubby arms with no noticeable fingers. Additionally, its electrical sacs are yellow, unlike its previous form's red coloring. It has a plump white belly, the tips of its arms and toes are brown. The soles of its feet are tan-colored and the paw pads on the undersides are yellowish orange. Raichu also have a long, thin, black tail that ends in a large lightning bolt shape.

In its Alolan form, Raichu now slightly resembles an Audino. Its tail is now in an oval shape that allows Raichu to stand on it as if it is actually surfing. Alolan Raichu also now has blue eyes, darker skin tone, white hands and feet, and yellow ears pointing upwards.

### Gender differences

Male Raichu have tips on their "lightning bolt tails" while females have flat ends on them.

### Natural abilities

Raichu has the ability Static and the hidden ability Lightning Rod. Static allows Raichu to paralyze its foe when making a physical move. Lightning Rod allows Raichu to draw in all Electric-type attacks. Alolan Raichu has the ability Surge Surf which doubles its speed when Electric Terrain is active.

Being part-Psychic-type, Alolan Raichu can also learn Psychic apart from learning Electric type moves, even having the chance to learn the rare move Speed Swap. Able to control psychic powers, Alolan Raichu gathers psykenosis into its tail and uses it to ride around. When you scrub its cheek pouches, they emit very sweet aroma.

### Behavior

Raichu is more confident and more powerful than Pikachu, but it is just as friendly. However, if it stores too much electricity in its body, it becomes extremely short-tempered and aggressive. Yet, some of them are timid and will run away from people.

## Evolution

Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu, and the final evolutionary form of Pichu. Pikachu can evolve into either form of Raichu by the use of a Thunder Stone, but will only evolve into Alolan Raichu in Sun and Moon. Before the release of Pokemon Bank for Sun and Moon, the normal form could not be obtained in either games.

## Game info

### Game locations

#### Side game locations

 Pokémon Trozei!
 Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team
 Explorers of Time & Explorers of Darkness
 Pokémon Ranger
 Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
 Pokémon Rumble

## TMNT X Pokemon

Capturing a Raichu is quite rare as they are hard to find.

## Trivia

* Pokédex entries say that Raichu can discharge up to 100,000 volts, enough to paralyze a Dragonite. The Pokémon Stadium entry says that it can only do 10,000, however.
* In *PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond*, Raichu appears in Cove Town as one of the trainers. After Pikachu defeats him in battle, he becomes Pikachu's teacher, able to upgrade his Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, and Dash.
* In one of its Pokédex entries, an Indian elephant is mentioned, which is interesting because in the Pokémon World such animals don't exist. An Indian elephant is also mentioned in one of the Pokédex entries for Gastly.
* Though Raichu uses its tail for ground, in its debut, "Electric Shock Showdown", it was clearly standing on hind floor.
* In its Alolan form, Raichu is the only Electric/Psychic Pokemon.
	+ About the change of appearance of Alolan Raichu, researchers have totally no idea. Nevertheless, the Alolans don't even care about this at all. In fact, they say, "Is it not because of eating round pancakes?"
* Even though it is said in its Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Pokedex entries that it gives off a sweet smell when you rub its cheeks, Alolan Raichu can't learn Sweet Scent.

### Origins

Physiologically, Raichu resembles the kangaroo rat.

### Etymology

The name **Raichu** originates from the Japanese word **rai**, which means "thunder", and "chuu", a word referring to the squeak made by a mouse. Its name is also very similar to the Raiju, a lighting creature from Japanese mythology.