Sputtlefish

The Sputtlefish is a squid-like enemy with a flower-like protrusion atop its head. These enemies can only be found underwater. They swim casually when not threatened, but upon the arrival of Pikmin, they will assume an upright posture and swim towards them. They can lash out at Pikmin with their tentacles, grabbing and eating them one at a time. If attacked, it will release ink which causes Pikmin to panic for some time until they are whistled and swim away. The Sputtlefish can also gradually heal if left alone once attacked.

Alph
Structural flaw: soft hide

Weight: 5

''Its tentacles are designed both for locomotion and to spray an obscuring jet of ink to cover its escape. Pikmin tend to panic when soaked in ink, so bail them out quickly. But you also have to chase after it quickly with any Blue Pikmin you have on hand, or it'll regenerate the damage you dealt. Though it's almost a shame to defeat it, since it's so beautiful in motion.''

Brittany
''It's like a flower that blooms in water instead of earth. So elegant...so beautiful...so hungry for Pikmin. I guess every rose has its thorns.''

Charlie
''Maybe it's something to do with the low friction down there, but all these underwater creatures are so slippery. The black ink it spouts whenever it feels threatened probably contributes to that, come to think of it.''

Louie
''Drain ink, and reduce over stove top until thick and aromatic. Add meat. Simmer in the ink sauce until tender. So good, you'll have to go back for seconds.''

Olimar
''Achieving a translucent look without iridophores and featuring 2 tentacles instead of 10 are the signature characteristics of the squirdler family. Its radial fins, resembling the petals of a flower, lend it a certain beauty as it swims, making it a popular ornamental pet. It can heal light abrasions and cuts via photosynthesis through its symbiosis with zooxanthella, so if you engage it, be sure to finish the job.''

In Pikmin Eco
The Sputtlefish returns from Pikmin 3 to Pikmin Eco. It only makes a single appearance throughout the game, only appearing on the final floor of the Aquatic Palace.

Pikmin: Spark
Sputtlefish appears in Pikmin: Spark as a common underwater enemy. In this game, they got renamed and are now known as the Lesser Sputtlefish due to the recent discovery of a Greater Sputtlefish subspecies. Their ink also now poisons the Pikmin instead of simply scattering them which makes them more dangerous as a result.