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The Pearly Clamclamp is an enemy in Pikmin and Pikmin 4. This large bivalve has a pinkish shell and a small pearl surrounded by a clear blue membrane. When Pikmin are thrown upon it, they will attack the membrane to reveal the pearl. Its only defense is acting like a Venus flytrap, opening its mouth and slamming shut, killing all Pikmin inside. When defeated, the Pearly Clamclamp drops whatever is inside, whether a pearl or the Positron Generator. The pearls can be taken to an Onion to get 50 Pikmin. In Pikmin 4, the Pearly Clamclamp drops 2 thing when defeated, it's corpse & whatever it's "holding".
Notes[]
Ship's Log[]
"One would expect this creature to be a mollusk of the sea, but the fact that it is also found in the forest is typical of this planet's oddities. The pearl that rests inside appears to be one of great value, but it is actually a trap."
Reel notes[]
"Though beautiful, this mollusk's pearls are thin and fragile."
Guide Book[]
"To lure then trap creatures that are attracted to small shiny objects, the Ploister turns undigested foodstuffs into round beads with the same secretion that makes up its shell. The pearl-like substance has a layering that is thinner and weaker than a real Pearl, reducing it in value."
Dalmo's Notes[]
"On sand hills or in the sea, wherever it may be, it never moves from its spot. It will sit and wait for someone to wander past. Someone being prey, preferably, though it could also be someone who knows the value of the beautiful shell or the pearl it holds nestled inside."
Olimar's Notes[]
"Using the pearl that takes shape inside its body as bait, this creature lures prey into its interior and traps it within its shell to feed. It's also worth noting that this pearl may just be an amalgamation of outside materials wrapped in a viscous gelatin exterior.
On the frequent occasions when it cannot gather food for itself, this creature can also obtain nutrients when the symbiotic algae within its body photosynthesizes. For this reason, it can often be found with its mouth open on shoals or sandy beaches that get a lot of sunshine."
Louie's Notes[]
"Heat in the shell over a strong fire to bring out the umami-rich juices. Finely mince the mantle and toss with noodles. Top with sesame seeds."
Locations[]
The enemy as seen at The Impact Site.
Main Game[]
They only appear in The Impact Site. There are three located at the back of the area, behind the reinforced wall. One is to the right of the wall, one is on a small island, and the last one is submerged in water and in possession of the Positron Generator.
Challenge Mode[]
These are the locations of the Pearly Clamclamp in Challenge Mode. These places are in specific hard to reach places and surrounded by enemies.
- The Forest of Hope: one where the Radiation Canopy is in the main game, and another where the Burrowing Snagrets are in the main game.
- The Forest Navel: where the Libra is found.
- The Distant Spring: where the Massage Machine is, where the Gluon Drive is, and where the Chronos Reactor is.
Battle Strategy[]
Pikmin[]
When "fighting" the Pearly Clamclamp, patience and tactics are required. When you approach one, throw your Pikmin onto the bottom of its mouth. It will begin to slowly open up more, and then close, killing all Pikmin inside. Call your Pikmin before it closes, throw you Pikmin back and repeat. When you destroy the membrane, the pearl (or the Positron Generator) is revealed. However, the Pearly Clamclamp can still attack after the pearl is removed, so make sure to retrieve the pearl quickly.
One of the Pearly Clamclamps is located on land, and as such is accessible to Yellow Pikmin with bomb rocks. Two bomb rocks are all it takes to kill for an easy 50 Pikmin.
Pikmin 4[]
Most Pearly Clamclamps are in water, so Blue Pikmin are required. When defeated, they drop whatever is in them, and the shell can also be carried back to produce more Pikmin.
Gallery[]
.jpg "Pearly Clam Clamp(PikminNPC).jpg (54 KB)")
Trivia[]
- In New Play Control! Pikmin's Enemy reel and in the Olimar's Voyage Log, The Pearly Clamclamp is named "Clampshell". It is unknown whether this is an inaccuracy or an intended change.
- When you take out its pearl in Pikmin it makes the sound the Honeywisp makes when hit and a spirit floats up as if it was killed, yet the Pearly Clamclamp can still attack and eat your Pikmin.
- Using an Action Replay to access a model test menu in Pikmin, the Pearly Clamclamp's code name is "shell", while its pearl is simply called "pearl".
- It is the only enemy that has a ship part that you can see before you kill it.
- The Japanese name for the Pearly Clamclamp is Yamashinju ヤマシンジュ/山真珠, which can probably mean "Mountain Pearl".
- Ironically this name refers much more to the pearl inside the clam rather than the clam as a whole, implying that the pearl is the actual enemy, and does not include the clam shells.
- The mock-Latin word in the Clampclamp's name, Regrettabilis, likely refers to the word "regret." This is also somewhat describing the Pearly Clamclamp's mode of attack, as you will regret trying to take its pearl for not being fast enough to call back your Pikmin.