Is 12V battery for hybrids different than standard batteries?

Does a 12V battery to crank up the engine and car electronics for a hybrid car different than a normal car? I have a hybrid Toyota Estima/Tarago (2011 model) and it's battery has gone flat after left it parked for two months. Now super cheap auto guy told me that it needs a different battery that matches with hybrid batteries - sounds strange. When I pulled out the battery, it looks normal except that it has some cable and a kinda pipe attached on both ends - images attached.

Need advise.