Pikachu

Pikachu (ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an -type Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pichu. It can evolve into a Raichu by using a Thunder Stone. It can evolve from Pichu via happiness. Pikachu is famous for being the most well-known and recognizable Pokémon in Generations 1-5. Over the years, Pikachu has become so popular that it serves as the Pokémon franchise mascot. In the series, Ash's Pikachu had extremely strong powers, which is the reason Team Rocket is after it.

Appearance
Pikachu is a chubby, ground dwelling, rodent like pokemon. It is covered with yellow fur, with brown stripes on its back. Its tail is shaped like lightning.

Behaviour
Pikachu generally travel in packs and are rarely territorial. The packs are known to create thunderstorms when approached by enemies.

Pikachu are considered pests by some people, as they love chewing electrical equipment, such as electrical poles. However, they make adorable pets, and are relatively more easy to maintain than other pokemon.

Pikachu are shown to love ketchup.

Name
The name "Pikachu" is a portmanteau of the Japanese words "pikapika", an onomatopoeia for electric sparkling, and "chū", which is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak. It may also be based on the pika, a mouse-like animal more closely related to rabbits but it's behavior (or more noticibally it's eating habits) resemble that of hamsters.

Origin
Though not the first Pokémon created, Pikachu was the first "-type" Pokémon created, conceived after the type was suggested to Sugimori and designed around the concept of electricity and the common symbol for lightning.

Known Trainers With a Pikachu

 * Ash Ketchum
 * Ritchie
 * Victor
 * Volkner (as a child in the anime)
 * Lt. Surge