Raichu is a bipedal, rodent-like Pokémon. Covered in dark orange fur with a white belly, Raichu has brown, bifurcated ears that are yellow on the inside and curl at the tips. There are circular yellow markings on its cheeks where its electric sacs are located, and it features a triangular, dark brown nose. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at their ends, with tan soles on its long feet that contain an orange pad in the center. Two horizontal brown stripes run across its back, while its thin tail ends in a lightning bolt shape, which is chipped in females. Raichu emits a weak electrical charge from its body, causing it to glow slightly in the dark.
Raichu's tail serves to gather electricity from the atmosphere or search for electricity when planted in the ground. It also protects Raichu from its own high voltage power. Capable of storing over 100,000 volts, enough to knock out a Copperajah, Raichu becomes more aggressive if it stores too much electricity. When fully charged, its ears stand straight up, and its muscles become stimulated. To avoid excessive stress, it discharges electricity through its tail into the ground, resulting in scorched patches near its nest. Evolving via Evolution stone, Raichu is rarely found in the wild but can be discovered in forests and woodlands. People often prefer Pikachu's appearance, making Raichu less commonly seen. As revealed in the anime, Raichu cannot learn speed attacks after evolving unless they were learned as Pikachu.
Forms
Raichu has a regional form known as Alolan Raichu. In Alola, Raichu appears lighter with rounded features. Its blue eyes feature yellow half-circles along the bottom, and it has large, yellow ears with inner spirals and brown interiors. These ears are thicker and less pointed compared to standard Raichu's. Besides its white belly, Alolan Raichu has white markings on its paws with bright yellow lines between its digits. The stripes on its back are white, and there are small, white circular markings on each heel. Its lightning bolt-shaped tail tip is rounded. By concentrating psychic power in its tail, it can ride it like a surfboard and float in the air. While its cheek sacs still store electricity, rubbing them releases a sweet aroma and a light shock, possibly linked to its Psychic abilities.
The origins of Alolan Raichu were initially unclear. Alola residents suggested it consumed too many sweet and fluffy pancakes, particularly those made with a secret Alolan recipe. However, researchers believe its diet and the Alola region's climate contributed to its transformation. Alolan Raichu can unleash star-shaped thunderbolts and is known by the name "hodad."
Evolution
Raichu evolves from Pikachu and is the final form of Pichu. In Alola, Raichu has a regional form that evolves from Pikachu and represents the final form of Pichu in the Alola region.
