Character: Pochama (Hikari)

Piplup is one of the three species of Pokémon players can choose from at the beginning of their adventure in the Diamond and Pearl versions of the series. Characterized as penguins, Piplup have a layer of fine down covering their bodies that protects them from frigid waters as well as hot temperatures. Despite their cute appearance, Piplup are very proud Pokémon that dislike receiving food from others.

A Piplup owned by a beginner Pokémon coordinator, Dawn, has appeared in all of the 4th generation episodes, to date. Dawn befriended Piplup after saving it from a group of Ariados, and chose it as her starter Pokémon. Piplup's next stages, "Prinplup" and "Empoleon" are even more proud, bringing up the words prince and emperor in parts of their names.

Verity's Piplup was sent out to face Entei. After Entei fled, it battled against Pikachu until an errant Hydro Pump hit a nearby Onix in the forest, cutting the battle with Ash Ketchum short.

One day, Misaki accidentally dropped her glasses into the water and Pochama retrieved them for her. From that day on, they became partners.

Misaki's Piplup swam from Kissaki City in the Sinnoh Region all the way to Kuchiba City in the Kanto Region because it was mad with Misaki giving more affection and attention to Gureggru than it.

It competed in an Ice Floe Race in the Sinnoh Region where it almost won the race except Rocket Gang interfered and it had to help save Misaki from falling off the boat into the sea.

Tyler's Piplup (Pippy) is his starter Pokemon.