Velvet Crawmad

The Velvet Crawmad is a relative of the Hermit Crawmad, appearing in Pikmin 2: New Year as a member of the crawmad family. Each will remain hidden within its burrow until Pikmin or leaders approach, causing it to emerge partially and survey its potential prey from a distance. When they approach closely, however, a Velvet Crawmad will rear up and dash out of its burrow in an attempt to catch a Pikmin or harm a leader. If it manages to grab a Pikmin, it will quickly backpedal to its burrow and proceed to eat them once it arrives there. If it misses its target or hits a leader, it will be forced to turn back and slowly crawl to its den after its attack. Regardless of whether its attack was successful or not, a Velvet Crawmad will retreat into its burrow for some seconds when it returns there. When a Velvet Crawmad's prey exits its territory, it will simply retreat into its burrow.

Velvet Crawmads are vaguely reminiscent of hermit crabs in appearance and can be small, medium, or large. They have a maroon shell and various other features of the same color, all with white details, and their body is pale and fleshy. Despite bearing spikes on their shell, there is no risk of them skewering Pikmin. The eyes of a Velvet Crawmad are ovular in shape and are mostly black except for a white stripe present on each of them. Additionally, each of its eyes is surrounded by a light blue rim. Also present on a Velvet Crawmad are other features that are seafoam green and lime green in color.

The only way to attack a Velvet Crawmad is by coaxing it from its burrow, causing it to expose its vulnerable body. Dodging its charge at the last moment is essential to prevent it from grabbing a Pikmin and grant as much time as possible to swarm it. While outside of its burrow, a Velvet Crawmad can be easily killed using a moderate number of Pikmin. If it manages to snag a Pikmin, an ultra-bitter spray may be used to temporarily halt the creature.