Raichu

Raichu (Japanese: ライチュウ Raichu) is a -type Pokémon.

Appearance
Raichu is a rodent-like Pokémon, sort of similar to its previous forms. Unlike Pichu or Pikachu, which both have yellow fur, Raichu has an orange-brown fur. Additionally, its electrical sacs are yellow, unlike its previous form's red coloring. Raichu also have a long, thin, black tail that ends in a large lightning bolt shape. Male Raichus have larger "lightning bolt tails" than females. They are also bigger than their previous evolved forms.

Special Abilities
Raichu has the ability Static and the hidden ability Lightningrod. Static allows Raichu to paralyze its foe when making a physical move. Lightningrod allows Raichu to draw in all -type attacks.

In Anime


Raichu made its debut appearance in the episode Electric Shock Showdown, under the ownership of Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader in Vermilion City. In this episode Ash's Pikachu is defeated in a one-on-one battle with Lt. Surge's Raichu, which then leads to Surge commenting on how Ash could never defeat his Raichu because his Pikachu was too weak.

Ash and Pikachu both, refusing to go through with evolving Pikachu in order to increase its power, face off against Lt. Surge again, this time using speed rather than power. By tiring Raichu out, Pikachu defeats Raichu and wins the battle.

Another Raichu, under the ownership of a trainer named Sho, was seen in Pika and Goliath!. Sho's Raichu used Hyper Beam at point blank range on Ash's Pikachu causing it to be in critical condition. This episode was very similar to the previously mentioned Electric Shock Showdown episode.

Another Raichu, named "Sugar" was seen under the ownership of an elderly woman named Abigail in the episode Cooking up a Sweet Story.

Evolution
Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu, and the final evolutionary form of Pichu. Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by the use of a Thunderstone.

Generation I
Main article: Raichu/Learnset Generation I

Generation II
Main article: Raichu/Learnset Generation II

Generation III
Main article: Raichu/Learnset Generation III

Generation IV
Main article: Raichu/Learnset Generation IV

Origins
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.

Trivia

 * Pokédex Entries say that Raichu can discharge up to 100,000 volts. Its Pokémon Stadium entry says 10,000 with it likely being a mistake.

Known Trainers With a Raichu

 * Lt. Surge
 * Katrina
 * Kay
 * Sho
 * Mary's Mother
 * Abigail
 * Volkner