Hermit Crawmad

The Hermit Crawmad is the first known member of the crawmad family, and are known for their variance in sizes. These enemies live their lives in holes and pop out when prey approaches. With a quick lunge, they can catch their target, reel back, and feed on it in its burrow. The Hermit Crawmad is a semi-passive creature. It sits inside its hole and is usually found around watery areas, although it can survive on dry land as well. It will peek out of its hole when the Pikmin or leaders approach it and it will attack if one gets too near to its dwelling. It attacks by charging out of its hole and grabbing a Pikmin, then backpedaling to its nest, where the Pikmin is eaten. If it misses, it will turn around and return to its dwelling, slower than usual. It can climb walls if it is necessary for it to get back to its nest. While sitting on the nest and peeking out, if it can no longer see prey nearby, it'll retreat back inside.

Olimar's notes

 * "Looking at the eyes and sickle-shaped legs characteristic of squillas, one would think this is a squilla relative. In fact, it is a relative of the hermit crab. This species, however, has migrated from seaside life in a shell and instead inhabits burrows in the ground. While its legs appear sickle-like, they are pincers that have evolved into a fin shape. This beast feeds on small creatures that pass by its lair, dragging them inside to eat them."

Louie's notes

 * "Shuck from the shell, bake on high heat until crispy, then dip in a pot of melted milk chocolate. Lip-smacking sweet!"

Locations

 * Crystal Falls
 * Perilous Cavern - Sublevel 3
 * Watery Catacombs - Sublevel 1, 2, 3 and 4
 * Aquatic Den - Sublevel 3, 4 and 5

Pikmin: The Winds of Light
So far, two Hermit Crawmads appear in the stream in The Spring of Serenity.

Olimar's Notes

 * "Strangely, this is the only creature that varies in size wherever I go. Other creatures appear to be exact copies of each other and are never different. Even then, the Hermit Crawmads are exact copies of each other, just in a different size. Just so peculiar!"