Template:Species-infobox Elite Pestnuts are small, round, urchin-like enemies that are found in the Oho Ocean Seabed in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. They are the stronger variety of the Pestnuts encountered in Chucklehuck Woods. They did not receive their own name to distinguish them from their weaker counterparts until the remake, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions. The original Game Boy Advance title simply called them Pestnuts.

Unlike their weaker counterparts, they do not appear in the overworld, and instead reside with Bloopers. Elite Pestnuts are covered in spikes, making them impossible to Jump on, unless one is wearing any of the "Spiny-Killer Jump" Badges. The spiky creatures can attack by rolling into their target from the front or behind. Although it is slightly stronger than the green version, this variety is also faster than the weaker variety and can also poison the Mario Bros. with its attacks.

After the Elite Pestnut takes enough damage, the spikes fall out, revealing a Beanie or Gold Beanie underneath. However, if they're revealed from this form, they will float up to the surface, although it still gives out its usual item and coin drops. In the 3DS remake, the Beanie or Gold Beanie that is revealed from an Elite Pestnut will automatically drown and be defeated instead, since they are unable to battle underwater, but will still give Coins and sometimes items when defeated in this matter.

Elite Pestnuts also appear as enemies in Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser. They are melee troopers, and attack by rolling into their opponents. Their special skill is Spin to Win, allowing them to roll into a minion three times. Due to their spikes, attacking a Pestnut from the side or from above cause damage to the minion. Elite Pestnuts are weak against Spear Guys.

Profiles and statistics

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga / Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga enemy
Pestnut (2)
  HP 40 (30) POW 50-54 (44-46) Defense 50 (30)
Speed 20 (30) Experience 35 (25) Coins 5 (6)
Location Seabed Jump Spiny Hammer Normal
Hand Normal Fire Critical Thunder Normal
Stat down? 100% Stun? 60% Burn? 0%
Level 19 Role Common Item drop Refreshing Herb – 16.13% (32.26%)
None – 0% (Red Pepper - 32.26%)
Notice
  • Stats in parentheses are from the Japanese version (if they differ from the original American and European stats).
  • Stats in gray are only found in the game's coding and are not available during "normal" gameplay.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions enemy
Elite Pestnut
  HP 66 POW 62 DEF 52 SPEED 64 Experience 25
Fire Critical Thunder Normal Jump Spiny, Normal Hammer Normal Coins 12
Stat down 60% Dizzy 100% Burn 0% Speed down 30% Item drop Refreshing Herb (26%)
Super Syrup (16%)
Ultra Syrup (20%)
Level           18 Location(s) Seabed
  • Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser profile: Powerful Pestnuts that thrive underwater. Those sharp spikes are a real threat. Weak against Spear Guys.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ウニマロ[?]
Unimaro
From 「ウニ」 uni (sea urchin).
German Sehr-Igel[?] Pun on Seeigel (sea urchin) and sehr (very)
Italian EchinGoomba (Original game)
Ricciolo (Remake)
[?]
From "Echinoderma" (echinoderm, the scientific group name of sea urchins, starfish and related animals) and "Goomba", despite the fact that contains a Beanie, not a Goomba.
Little Urchin
Spanish (NOA) Pipo marino[?] From Pipo (Suit) and Marino (Marine)
Spanish (NOE) Castaña marina[?] Marine Pestnut