Lotad Report

Lotad (the Water Weed Pokémon) is a relatively common Water/Grass-type Pokémon found near freshwater ponds and lakes within the Hoenn, Kalos, Galar and Kitakami regions as well as the Sinnoh and Unova regions on rare occasions. Relatively simple in appearance and somewhat ineffective in battle, Lotad are odd creatures that are generally unfit for combat due to their low stats and limited move pool. Even so, any trainer hoping to eventually specialize in either the Grass or Water-type shouldn't shy away from these critters completely; just be careful not to place them into too extreme of a combat role, as these critters just don't have the brainpower to deal with more than a few issues at once!

Lotad and their evolutions represent the only known case of a parasitic plant affecting the anatomy and thought processes of a host enough to make them completely change their habitat of choice. It is believed that Lotad were once much like traditional amphibians (and in fact are closely related to frogs), eating small plants and insects for sustenance; the only major difference was that they were mostly land-dwellers and did not travel into the water much. Eventually, however, these creatures became victims of a rare parasitic lily plant that began to produce a massive leaf on top of their bodies; while Lombre and Ludicolo were relatively unaffected by the mass of the leaves, Lotad were too small and weak to support the weight and became unable to move very fast on land. In order to rectify this problem and maintain their livelihood, Lotad began to live in the water for increasingly long periods of time, using their massive leaves as floatation devices; over time, this change in environment had a profound change in Lotad, making them far more dependent upon the water for survival than ever before. However, it remains unclear as to whether Lotad were initially Water-types or became primary Water-types due to this change in habitat. What is clear, however, is that Lotad are still strongly connected to their parasitic plant as they are unable to utilize any offensive Water-type moves naturally outside of relatively weak Bubble, Water Gun and Bubble Beam attacks; only in evolution do these creatures finally gain the ability to utilize their Water-type powers to the utmost. On the other hand, the fact that the parasitic plant can absorb water quickly and efficiently means that some Lotad (as well as their evolutions) can possess the Rain Dish Ability, which is normally unique to them and continuously restores small amounts of their health while it is raining.

Because the parasitic plant dominates the anatomy of Lotad, their minds are fairly dull and are only able to process simple thoughts and actions without suffering a breakdown in communication. As such, Lotad usually only spend their time drinking water and basking in the sun within their aquatic habitats; on rare occasions, though, Lotad may travel on land in search of clean water if their local source becomes polluted, often gathering in large numbers to fill a a large portion of the body of water. Lotad must keep a constant watch on the parasitic plant attached to them and must ensure that it is kept healthy at all times; if the plant withers, Lotad will suffer a massive neurological shock and will become exceptionally weak and dull-witted (thus making them even easier prey for predators than they already are). Despite their limited thought capabilities, Lotad are usually quite kind and are known to gladly ferry small Pokémon across bodies of water if they cannot swim, and suffer no ill effects from it all as their leaves are able to repel dirt from anything that rides on them; judging by the sudden personality alteration that comes upon them after evolution, though, it is likely that this kind demeanor is also a result of the parasitic plant's presence.

Though they certainly might not have the strength needed to do much at all against most opponents, Lotad are still fun little creatures that can make great friends for young children or trainers that are just starting their journey. You probably won't find much use for them outside of a friendly battle, but if raised long enough, these little critters can certainly be made into decent Grass-type fighters. Besides, there aren't that many Pokémon out there capable of learning the powerful Energy Ball attack naturally; it'll just be your call as to whether or not the attack is worth putting evolution aside for!

Professor Wormwood