Ironhead Crusteroid

The Ironhead Crusteroid is a species of crustelore that is covered in thick metal armor.

=In fanon games=

In Pikmin Evolution
The Ironhead Crusteroid is a species of crustelore appearing in Pikmin Evolution. They resemble large crabs, their impenetrable, metallic exoskeleton makes them appear as if they are clad in solid iron. They have large, flat, pronounced heads and a small pair of claws unfit for combat. They are completely harmless, lacking any way to attack leaders or Pikmin, but likewise, Pikmin can't harm them, as the crusteroid's thick metal armor will simply deflect their attacks. There is no way to remove their armor, as not even the most corrosive acid can melt it down.

The Ironhead Crusteroid spends its time blissfully eating seeds and pellets with others of its kind. When they encounter a large creature, they become startled and run away despite their defensive advantage. The large head of the Ironhead Crusteroid is able to be walked on safely by small creatures, and some creatures like the Wollywog like to ride on the crusteroid as a way to both sunbathe and gain an advantage in the air. Likewise, Pikmin are able to ride these crustaceans as well, allowing them to cross dangerous terrain such as acid much more safely. Naturally, while the creature allows amphitubers to ride free of charge, leaders must feed an Ironhead Crusteroid before they and Pikmin can ride it; otherwise, they will become startled and shake its passengers off.

Ironhead Crusteroids come in three sizes, which dictates the maximum amount of Pikmin they can carry at once. Small ones carry twenty-five Pikmin, medium ones carry fifty Pikmin, and large ones carry seventy-five Pikmin. If the limit is exceeded, the Ironhead Crusteroid will flip over and burrow into the ground, hiding for the remainder of the day. Ironhead Crusteroids can be bred in settlements by luring them to traps with pellets, and by breeding them, metal ore can be acquired without having to scavenge for supplies. Additionally, with the Creature Call function, they can be summoned as a makeshift platform for leaders and Pikmin, but will only be of medium size. Overall, Ironhead Crusteroids are very helpful creatures and offer a simple but useful function.