Captmin

Captmin are leaders who failed to survive on PNF-404 and have become a hybrid of Pikmin and their former selves, thanks to the Pikmin they once led. Like the hosts of Parasitic Pikmin, Captmin patrol the various locations they are found in and will rush to the side of the leader who whistled to it. Captmin accompany leaders for the rest of the day once obtained and can be brought in and out of caves. Each Captmin has a unique appearance, although each can have a random maturity level. Captmin are sometimes found leading a small squad of up to ten previously-discovered Pikmin. They can be seen defending themselves and their squads from attackers but will ignore what is not threatening them. Pikmin that are following a Captmin will join the side of the leader who whistled to their leader.

Like leaders, Captmin have health meters, can be switched between, can throw other Pikmin and leaders, and can whistle; like Pikmin, they can latch onto enemies and obstacles to attack them. Captmin are affected both by sprays that affect Pikmin and sprays that affect leaders, though Captmin themselves cannot use sprays. Captmin have no resistance to any hazard. Their attack, digging speed, mobility, and throw height is average, but their carrying capacity is five. As useful as they may be, Captmin cannot be stored in the Master Onion nor the Dolphin Lander because they are not wholly Pikmin. Leadermin that inevitably are left behind at the end of the day are not considered dead and do not count towards total Pikmin deaths. A Captmin, after being whistled to, will not reappear in an area or cave until after ten days have passed.

Captmin are targetted both by Swooping Snitchbugs and Bumbling Snitchbugs. Swooping Snitchbugs target them because they resemble Pikmin, and Bumbling Snitchbugs target them because they resemble leaders.

Olimar's notes

 * "Upon first seeing this Pikmin type, I foolishly mistook it as another adventurer exploring this planet. Unbeknownst to me, this creature is the result of the Pikmin attempting to revive someone that once lead them. Captmin are named as such due to their behavioral similarities to Pikmin and also leaders such as myself. They are sometimes found being followed by a small squad of Pikmin. When whistled to, they and their squad instantly join our side. Captmin cannot enter Onions presumably because they are not wholly Pikmin. They also cannot be stored in the Dolphin Lander's Pikmin hold for the same reason, and would simply be asphyxiated due to a lack of oxygen should they be sheltered within the Lander's cockpit. At the end of the day, because they cannot join us in low-orbit, Captmin are forced to run off and hide from the ravenous nocturnal predators that emerge after dark. A Captmin's existence is grim, but they've proven to be valuable allies."

Louie's notes

 * "Inedible. Preparation would break moral code."

Shacho's notes

 * "They look just like my employees, and follow orders just as well! Maybe I could sneak one or two back to Hocotate..."

Dolphin Lander's notes

 * "What a strange lifeform! Olimar has never documented Captmin before, so I can only assume that he's only ever encountered them on this trip to PNF-404. In fact, he seems to be encountering all sorts of lifeforms that he's encountered before, as well as new ones... I can't help but feel sympathy for Captmin. They've befallen such a grim fate, I can't imagine what it would be like to be one."