Togedemaru (トゲデマル)

Biology: Togedemaru is a spherical, rodent-like Pokémon. Most of its front is white, while its back is primarily gray. It has black eyes, a short pointed snout with a black nose, rounded ears, and a circular, yellow marking on each cheek. Scattered across its back are 14 fur spikes that appear as yellow and brown triangular markings. When attacking, surprised, or agitated, these spikes will stand straight up. There is a tail-like needle on the back of its head. The needle is gray with a yellow tip and is shaped like a lightning bolt. Additionally, it has stubby arms and legs. When Togedemaru's spines are out, its cheek marks sometimes look like electrical outlets.

Togedemaru uses the needle on top of its head to attract and gather electricity. Groups can be seen gathered with their needles standing upright, waiting to be struck by lightning on stormy days to make up for its somewhat limited electric capacity. Some Trainers use its ability to absorb electricity as a strategy in battle. The opponent is coaxed into unleashing an Electric-type attack, and then has that power turned against it. When it is pleased, this Pokémon will curl into a ball and roll around uncontrollably. Togedemaru clashes with Elekid whenever it tries to steal the latter's electricity, usually ending with even matches.

A special Togedemaru in Alola acts as the Totem Pokémon for Sophocles's trial in Hokulani Observatory. This Togedemaru possesses Z-Power, an energy that originates from Ultra Wormholes and takes the form of a golden, flaring aura. The reward for defeating Totem Togedemaru and completing the trial is an Electrium Z.

In Generation VII, Zing Zap was its signature move.

Size: 1'00" tall, 7.3 lbs.

Evolution: Togedemaru has no evolutionary relatives.

Facts/Origins: Togedemaru appears to be based on a hedgehog, due to its round body and ability to curl up into a spiky ball. It may also be based on a New World porcupine, given how it can stiffen its triangular body spines. Additionally, it bears some resemblance to a chinchilla or a Ryūkyū spiny rat. According to Togedemaru's Pokédex entry, the tail-like spike on its back acts as a lightning rod. When Togedemaru's spines come out, marks may appear on its cheeks that resemble North American and Japanese electrical outlets. Togedemaru may be a combination of 棘 toge (thorn, spike) or 棘鼠 togenezumi (Ryūkyū spiny rats), 電気 denki (electricity), and 丸 maru (round), as well as a play on 棘で丸 toge de maru ("spiny and round").