Barboach seems to be based on the {{wp|Weather loach|loach}}; however, it is suspected to share characteristics with {{wp|hagfish}}.
Barboach seems to be based on the {{wp|Misgurnus anguillicaudatus|dojo loach}} found in East Asia. Sharing many characteristics with the genus such as; burying themselves to hide from view, using their whiskers to detect their surroundings, secretion of a slimy substance and the ability to encase themselves in mud.
Barboach are small, loach-like Pokémon that are covered in a slimy film at all times. They have an innate sense of seismic activity that is better developed in their evolved form, Whiscash. Barboach have blue whiskers that work as a superb radar in even the murkiest of water, as well as rounded pectoral fins and a tail fin. Judging by this, it is suggested that they aren't fast swimmers, but are hardy fish Pokémon. The main body of a Barboach is a soft gray color with a jagged black line running the length of their body—this might represent a fissure crack or fault line, reflecting Barboach's dual types—Ground and Water.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Being Ground- and Template:Type2d gives Barboach the rare ability to wield Ground-type moves such as Magnitude and Fissure. Barboach have powerful latent psychic abilities that reveal themselves as they grow. Barboach have been known to shy away from danger before it appears, yet they seem blissfully oblivious to other threats.
Behavior
Barboach are clever hunters and are known to hide in mud with only their two whiskers exposed, waiting for prey to come by. They also probe muddy riverbeds with these whiskers, hoping to flush out some prey.
Because of their habitat and behavior, it's likely that they eat small bugs and fish that live in mud at the bottom of lakes. They also probably eat rotting plant matter and berries that find their way to the bottom.
Barboach appears to be an omnivore, and it is not known whether they prey on other fish Pokémon.
Barboach's sensitive whiskers serve as a superb radar system. This Pokémon hides in mud, leaving only its two whiskers exposed while it waits for prey to come along.
Barboach's body is covered with a slimy film. If a foe grabs it, this Pokémon just slips out of the enemy's grip. This Pokémon grows weak if the slimy coating dries up.
Barboach and Whiscash are the only dual-typed Water/Ground Pokémon who are not in the Water 1 egg group.
Barboach and Whiscash are the only non-Electric Pokémon to learn Spark. This may be a reference to how several species of catfish use electricity to navigate and find prey.
Barboach is the only Pokémon that can learn both Water Sport and Mud Sport. However, Barboach already receives just 1/2 damage from Fire-type moves and it is also immune to Electric attacks.
Origin
Barboach seems to be based on the dojo loach found in East Asia. Sharing many characteristics with the genus such as; burying themselves to hide from view, using their whiskers to detect their surroundings, secretion of a slimy substance and the ability to encase themselves in mud.
Name origin
Barboach's name is a combination of barb, referring to the barbs around its mouth, and loach, referring to the species of fish that is similar to Barboach.
Dojoach is a contraction of dojo loach, or just a combination of 泥鰌 dojō, Japanese for loach, and loach or 土 tsuchi, ground. It is also worth noting that the first kanji in its name, 泥 doro, means "mud".
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
For other sprites and images, please see Barboach images on Bulbagarden Archives.
