Elite Pestnut

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.

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

 * 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
Sehr Igel Ricciolo