| The Biology of Pokemon |
Pokemon! The franchise that had Nintendo rolling in cash and introduced the world to several hundred
ridiculous little cock-fighting monsters with superpowers. Often dismissed by more "mature" gamers as just
another corporate-driven marketing scheme, the franchise was originally cooked up by then-unknown artist
Satoshi Tajiri, whose passion for monsters, mythology and insect-collecting inspired his "pocket monsters"
concept many years before he would get caught up in the videogame business.
None could have predicted Pokemon's explosive success, and the world as we know it has never been
the same. At least, it's been the same except for an entire generation knowing the "Team Rocket" motto,
and that's good enough for me.
An interesting thing about the Japanese school system is how much stock they put into biology. Whereas
millions of Americans grow up each year shamefully unaware of what an Opabinia looks like, our eastern
friends treat the far reaches of Earth's flora and fauna as a staple of children's homework. The (obviously
intentional) result of this is that animals most westerners consider "obscure" are given the star treatment for
countless Anime, Manga, and Videogames...
ridiculous little cock-fighting monsters with superpowers. Often dismissed by more "mature" gamers as just
another corporate-driven marketing scheme, the franchise was originally cooked up by then-unknown artist
Satoshi Tajiri, whose passion for monsters, mythology and insect-collecting inspired his "pocket monsters"
concept many years before he would get caught up in the videogame business.
None could have predicted Pokemon's explosive success, and the world as we know it has never been
the same. At least, it's been the same except for an entire generation knowing the "Team Rocket" motto,
and that's good enough for me.
An interesting thing about the Japanese school system is how much stock they put into biology. Whereas
millions of Americans grow up each year shamefully unaware of what an Opabinia looks like, our eastern
friends treat the far reaches of Earth's flora and fauna as a staple of children's homework. The (obviously
intentional) result of this is that animals most westerners consider "obscure" are given the star treatment for
countless Anime, Manga, and Videogames...
In brackish mud flats, mangroves and riverbanks throughout warmer corners of the globe lurks a
remarkable family of fish who spend more time on the land than in the water. Able to slither over
mud even faster than they can swim, Mudskippers easily beat both the climbing perch and walking
catfish for the coveted title of most amphibious Pisces. Ranging wildly in size but little in style, nearly
all mudskippers are communal mud-burrowers who feed on insects, worms and small crustaceans.
Some species are even climbers, with the rear pair of fins adapted as a "sucker" to grip small rocks
or branches.
remarkable family of fish who spend more time on the land than in the water. Able to slither over
mud even faster than they can swim, Mudskippers easily beat both the climbing perch and walking
catfish for the coveted title of most amphibious Pisces. Ranging wildly in size but little in style, nearly
all mudskippers are communal mud-burrowers who feed on insects, worms and small crustaceans.
Some species are even climbers, with the rear pair of fins adapted as a "sucker" to grip small rocks
or branches.
Commonly mistake for a "fly" or "bee" by pokemon fans, the Ninjask family can confuse even adult
players with its strange system of evolution; once Nincada transforms into Ninjask, it may leave behind
a second new pokemon called a "Shedinja". Part "bug type" and part "ghost type", the Shedinja is a
strange, hovering exoskeleton with a frail body but powerful defensive abilities.
To those of us familiar with the humble cicada, Shedinja is an ingenious take on a very simple concept.
In the real world, Cicadas begin their lives deep underground, feeding on tree roots and rarely moving
for up to 17 years at a time in some species. When the time comes to mature and reproduce, the
crablike creatures burrow up from the ground in droves, climb the trunk of their tree and molt into
large, beautiful winged adults. The by-product of the molting process is an empty, transparent skeleton
of the immature stage, left almost perfectly intact except for a large exit-hole on the back. More
commonly heard than seen, Cicadas produce one of the loudest mating calls in nature, and can be
heard chattering throughout the summer months in most parts of the world.
players with its strange system of evolution; once Nincada transforms into Ninjask, it may leave behind
a second new pokemon called a "Shedinja". Part "bug type" and part "ghost type", the Shedinja is a
strange, hovering exoskeleton with a frail body but powerful defensive abilities.
To those of us familiar with the humble cicada, Shedinja is an ingenious take on a very simple concept.
In the real world, Cicadas begin their lives deep underground, feeding on tree roots and rarely moving
for up to 17 years at a time in some species. When the time comes to mature and reproduce, the
crablike creatures burrow up from the ground in droves, climb the trunk of their tree and molt into
large, beautiful winged adults. The by-product of the molting process is an empty, transparent skeleton
of the immature stage, left almost perfectly intact except for a large exit-hole on the back. More
commonly heard than seen, Cicadas produce one of the loudest mating calls in nature, and can be
heard chattering throughout the summer months in most parts of the world.
Another tricky one for some; it is easy to assume that Flygon is a "dragonfly" pokemon, given its
appearance and "dragon" classification, but Trapinch and its evolutions owe their design to a
seldom-seen predator known in the west as an Antlion. The short-lived adult stage of this insect
does indeed resemble a dragonfly, but it is the larval stage of certain species that these creatures are
famous for. Sometimes called a "doodlebug", this voracious little monster digs a steep, conical
pit-trap in sand or loose soil and buries itself at the bottom, waiting patiently for tiny insects to slip
and tumble straight into its venomous jaws.
Amazingly enough, these pits are angled with a perfect mathematical precision; any steeper and the
walls would collapse. Any wider, and prey could escape. The insect even adjusts its construction
according to the density of the soil.
appearance and "dragon" classification, but Trapinch and its evolutions owe their design to a
seldom-seen predator known in the west as an Antlion. The short-lived adult stage of this insect
does indeed resemble a dragonfly, but it is the larval stage of certain species that these creatures are
famous for. Sometimes called a "doodlebug", this voracious little monster digs a steep, conical
pit-trap in sand or loose soil and buries itself at the bottom, waiting patiently for tiny insects to slip
and tumble straight into its venomous jaws.
Amazingly enough, these pits are angled with a perfect mathematical precision; any steeper and the
walls would collapse. Any wider, and prey could escape. The insect even adjusts its construction
according to the density of the soil.
Also called Pelican eels, these eerie abyssal fish can be found at depths of 5000 to 8000 feet below the
sea's surface, and can grow up to two feet long from head to tail. Aptly named, gulpers can unhinge their
already-disproportionate jaws and expand their stomachs to accomodate prey many times their size.
Like many other deep-sea fish, gulpers often attract prey with a bioluminescent "lure"; in this case, a
bulbous light spot on the tip of the tail. Hanging motionless in the water column, a gulper brings its tail
around and wiggles the tip right inside its gaping maw.
sea's surface, and can grow up to two feet long from head to tail. Aptly named, gulpers can unhinge their
already-disproportionate jaws and expand their stomachs to accomodate prey many times their size.
Like many other deep-sea fish, gulpers often attract prey with a bioluminescent "lure"; in this case, a
bulbous light spot on the tip of the tail. Hanging motionless in the water column, a gulper brings its tail
around and wiggles the tip right inside its gaping maw.
At a whopping two to three feet long, Anomalocaris reigned supreme as the world's largest predator
millions of years before life emerged onto land or developed the conceptof an internal skeleton. Now
thought to be a lobopod (like the terrestrial, still-living peripatus or velvet-worm), this miniature monster
terrorized the seas for almost 40 million years, preying upon small trilobites snatched up in its spiny
"feelers". These feelers, interestingly, were the first piece of the animal ever discovered, and were
thought to be the tails of some unknown shrimp-like animal. Later, the circular mouth would be
discovered and misidentified as a "toothed jellyfish", while an imprint of the body was taken for some
sort of plant or sea-pen. "Anomalous" indeed!
millions of years before life emerged onto land or developed the conceptof an internal skeleton. Now
thought to be a lobopod (like the terrestrial, still-living peripatus or velvet-worm), this miniature monster
terrorized the seas for almost 40 million years, preying upon small trilobites snatched up in its spiny
"feelers". These feelers, interestingly, were the first piece of the animal ever discovered, and were
thought to be the tails of some unknown shrimp-like animal. Later, the circular mouth would be
discovered and misidentified as a "toothed jellyfish", while an imprint of the body was taken for some
sort of plant or sea-pen. "Anomalous" indeed!
Lileep and Cradily are a strange pair; bearing the grass type implies that they are plants, whereas the
pokedex refers to them as marine "anemones", a kind of animal. Their conceptual model, however, is an
entirely different marine animal sometimes called a "sea lily".
Related to starfish and sea urchins, crinoids are echinoderms that feed primarily on plankton ensared by
their feathery tentacled. Usually rooted in place by a long, thin stalk, most crinoids are nonetheless quite
mobile when the need arises, and some species have even been observed "walking" on two tentacles in a
weirdly anthropomorphic manner. Among the most common oceanic life in ancient times, modern lilies
prefer the abyssal zones of the sea and are rarely seen by man.
pokedex refers to them as marine "anemones", a kind of animal. Their conceptual model, however, is an
entirely different marine animal sometimes called a "sea lily".
Related to starfish and sea urchins, crinoids are echinoderms that feed primarily on plankton ensared by
their feathery tentacled. Usually rooted in place by a long, thin stalk, most crinoids are nonetheless quite
mobile when the need arises, and some species have even been observed "walking" on two tentacles in a
weirdly anthropomorphic manner. Among the most common oceanic life in ancient times, modern lilies
prefer the abyssal zones of the sea and are rarely seen by man.
Bagworm caterpillars are reviled by many, as they are ravenous parasites of evergreen trees and can fatally
strip one of needles in mere months. Unlike most other caterpillars, they construct a cocoon long before
they are ready to metamorphose, and coat it in the leaves of their host plant for protection and camoflage
until they seal themselves up and pupate in the fall. While the males emerge days later as small, drab moths,
the females mature into limbless, wingless, faceless reproductive machines who will remain in their bags until
death. Incapable of laying their own eggs, larvae must struggle to escape from their mother's corpse when
spring arrives.
strip one of needles in mere months. Unlike most other caterpillars, they construct a cocoon long before
they are ready to metamorphose, and coat it in the leaves of their host plant for protection and camoflage
until they seal themselves up and pupate in the fall. While the males emerge days later as small, drab moths,
the females mature into limbless, wingless, faceless reproductive machines who will remain in their bags until
death. Incapable of laying their own eggs, larvae must struggle to escape from their mother's corpse when
spring arrives.
It is somewhat possible that Shuckle has no basis in reality, but more likely that this unique bug/rock
pokemon was inspired in part by these common but seldom-noticed plant parasites. Attached to their
host by a thick shell of their own waxy secretions, adult scale insects have soft, flat bodies with useless
vestigial legs. Like aphids, their bodily waste is a sweet, sugary "honeydew" that oozes from their casing
(compare to Shuckle's "potion" filled shell) and is favored by certain species of ant who in turn protect
the scales from predators. Young scales, fully mobile, are called "crawlers".
pokemon was inspired in part by these common but seldom-noticed plant parasites. Attached to their
host by a thick shell of their own waxy secretions, adult scale insects have soft, flat bodies with useless
vestigial legs. Like aphids, their bodily waste is a sweet, sugary "honeydew" that oozes from their casing
(compare to Shuckle's "potion" filled shell) and is favored by certain species of ant who in turn protect
the scales from predators. Young scales, fully mobile, are called "crawlers".
Complain all you like about Athlete's foot, but it has always been insects who suffer the full brunt of
fungal assault as a plethora of molds and mushrooms call the little critters home, particularly those fungi
in the genus Cordyceps, which not only invade the bodies of their hosts but manipulate their behavior
to better propagate themselves. In many species, hosts are compelled to climb as high as possible
before the fungus finally kills them, allowing the parasite's spores to scatter farther on the wind.
Like Nincada, the insect half of Paras is modeled after a cicada in its immature "nymph" stage, a fact
many fans have completely overlooked. Before it can evolve into a winged, adult cicada (such as
Ninjask) its parasite takes total control over its body, even "doing all the thinking" according to official
game lore. Several species of Cordyceps are known to attack cicadas, kill their hosts while the nymph
stage is still underground.
fungal assault as a plethora of molds and mushrooms call the little critters home, particularly those fungi
in the genus Cordyceps, which not only invade the bodies of their hosts but manipulate their behavior
to better propagate themselves. In many species, hosts are compelled to climb as high as possible
before the fungus finally kills them, allowing the parasite's spores to scatter farther on the wind.
Like Nincada, the insect half of Paras is modeled after a cicada in its immature "nymph" stage, a fact
many fans have completely overlooked. Before it can evolve into a winged, adult cicada (such as
Ninjask) its parasite takes total control over its body, even "doing all the thinking" according to official
game lore. Several species of Cordyceps are known to attack cicadas, kill their hosts while the nymph
stage is still underground.
The largest single flower in the world, the giant rafflesia can reach up to three feet across, and is among the
rarest tropical plants known to man. Without leaves, roots or even a stem, the disembodied blossom grows
only as a parasite on the vines of another plant, Tetrastigma. They are sometimes called the "corpse
flower", as they favor flies for pollination and mimic both the texture and smell of decaying flesh. Amazingly,
every massive blossom produces only one tiny seed, which sticks to the fur of small mammals in the vague
hope of finding another Tetrastigma.
Seldom referenced in American culture, Rafflesia are a relatively popular icon in Japan and have found
their way into much more than just Pokemon, with many other videogame appearances (including Animal
Crossing: Wild World) and a handful of rubber-suit television monsters to their name.
rarest tropical plants known to man. Without leaves, roots or even a stem, the disembodied blossom grows
only as a parasite on the vines of another plant, Tetrastigma. They are sometimes called the "corpse
flower", as they favor flies for pollination and mimic both the texture and smell of decaying flesh. Amazingly,
every massive blossom produces only one tiny seed, which sticks to the fur of small mammals in the vague
hope of finding another Tetrastigma.
Seldom referenced in American culture, Rafflesia are a relatively popular icon in Japan and have found
their way into much more than just Pokemon, with many other videogame appearances (including Animal
Crossing: Wild World) and a handful of rubber-suit television monsters to their name.
Though constantly overshadowed by the world's lone species of Venus Fly-Trap, there are actually many
plants that prey on small animals, and pitcher-traps come in the greatest variety of all. They generally attract
prey with their coloration and scent, though some species secrete an intoxicating nectar to seal the deal.
Nearly any insect landing on the lip of a pitcher, winged or not, is doomed to slip and fall inside before it
can react, and will find itself face-first in a pool of water and digestive enzymes. Oily, downward-pointing
bristles make climbing out a near-impossible task, and some species are even dotted with transparent
"windows" that an insect cannot differentiate from the real exit.
As crafty as these plants are on their own, it is not unheard of for certain spiders to take up residence in a
pitcher and stretch their web across the opening. Combined, they trap more prey than they ever would
alone, and the spider instinctively drops nutritious leftovers into the pool below.
plants that prey on small animals, and pitcher-traps come in the greatest variety of all. They generally attract
prey with their coloration and scent, though some species secrete an intoxicating nectar to seal the deal.
Nearly any insect landing on the lip of a pitcher, winged or not, is doomed to slip and fall inside before it
can react, and will find itself face-first in a pool of water and digestive enzymes. Oily, downward-pointing
bristles make climbing out a near-impossible task, and some species are even dotted with transparent
"windows" that an insect cannot differentiate from the real exit.
As crafty as these plants are on their own, it is not unheard of for certain spiders to take up residence in a
pitcher and stretch their web across the opening. Combined, they trap more prey than they ever would
alone, and the spider instinctively drops nutritious leftovers into the pool below.
Though Raticate is known as just the "rat" pokemon, it borrows its appearance and pokedex information
from the a specific kind of giant water-rat. Raised in captivity for cheap meat and cheaper fur, escaped
Nutria have become a bit of an ecological pest throughout America where the beaver-sized rodents
devour local plant and animal life alike, which we can hardly blame them for because they are absolutely
adorable. As Raticate's pokedex mentions the hind feet are webbed. As Raticate's pokedex will likely
never mention under any circumstances, the female teats are situated along her back... how else will
ratlings nurse while she swims?
from the a specific kind of giant water-rat. Raised in captivity for cheap meat and cheaper fur, escaped
Nutria have become a bit of an ecological pest throughout America where the beaver-sized rodents
devour local plant and animal life alike, which we can hardly blame them for because they are absolutely
adorable. As Raticate's pokedex mentions the hind feet are webbed. As Raticate's pokedex will likely
never mention under any circumstances, the female teats are situated along her back... how else will
ratlings nurse while she swims?
Off the coast of Africa in 1938, zoological history was made with the discovery of a living species
previously thought extinct for over 360 million years. Over a hundred species of coelecanth are known
from fossil remains, but only two are known to survive today, and remain a rare and celebrated sighting.
These nine-finned fish are the only living animal with an intercranial joint - a division allowing the front of
their head to bend upwards as they feed - and give birth to live young. They feed on any smaller creature
they can get ahold of, and reach up to six feet in length.
previously thought extinct for over 360 million years. Over a hundred species of coelecanth are known
from fossil remains, but only two are known to survive today, and remain a rare and celebrated sighting.
These nine-finned fish are the only living animal with an intercranial joint - a division allowing the front of
their head to bend upwards as they feed - and give birth to live young. They feed on any smaller creature
they can get ahold of, and reach up to six feet in length.
Like their frog and toad cousins, salamanders begin their lives in a water-breathing larval stage. These
salamander "tadpoles" resemble stunted adults with flatter tails and feathery, external gills. There's a few
species, however, that spend their entire lives in this stage...at least, they're supposed to. Axolotls are
large, hardy, cold-water salamanders that normally retain their gills for life, but under specific
environmental conditions they can metamorphose into an "adult" form that rarely lives longer than a few
weeks. This unusual process is a throwback to their evolutionary heritage, and usually occurs only under
human intervention.
Axolotls are native to just one lake in the world, but boast a massive captive population as pets and
laboratory animals, studied for their exceptional regenerative capabilities.
salamander "tadpoles" resemble stunted adults with flatter tails and feathery, external gills. There's a few
species, however, that spend their entire lives in this stage...at least, they're supposed to. Axolotls are
large, hardy, cold-water salamanders that normally retain their gills for life, but under specific
environmental conditions they can metamorphose into an "adult" form that rarely lives longer than a few
weeks. This unusual process is a throwback to their evolutionary heritage, and usually occurs only under
human intervention.
Axolotls are native to just one lake in the world, but boast a massive captive population as pets and
laboratory animals, studied for their exceptional regenerative capabilities.
Many eager young fans like to pretend that these pokemon are "Raptors", but the truth is far more
interesting than a theropod that barely exists; the proper term, you see, is Deinonychusaur, and the
popular "Jurassic park" version is complete inaccurate.
Leaf-tailed geckos, like all other geckos, are wide-eyed nocturnal insectivores with amazing
static-charged toes with which they can climb even a smooth glass window as easily as rugged tree bark.
Unlike other geckos, leaf-tail varieties are equipped with numerous expandable frills and membranes
allowing them to leap great distances and glide like the famed flying squirrel. They also look a lot cooler
than "raptors", too...talons be damned.
interesting than a theropod that barely exists; the proper term, you see, is Deinonychusaur, and the
popular "Jurassic park" version is complete inaccurate.
Leaf-tailed geckos, like all other geckos, are wide-eyed nocturnal insectivores with amazing
static-charged toes with which they can climb even a smooth glass window as easily as rugged tree bark.
Unlike other geckos, leaf-tail varieties are equipped with numerous expandable frills and membranes
allowing them to leap great distances and glide like the famed flying squirrel. They also look a lot cooler
than "raptors", too...talons be damned.
Allright, look, I know you've all comfortably thought of these two pokemon as "ducks" since the dawn of
the 21st century, but you're just going to have to wake up and accept the fact that having "duck" in their
names doesn't mean a damn thing. During the prototype phases of Pokemon: Red and Green (yes, Red
and Green), "flying" type was known as "bird" type, and given to every bird-based pokemon wether or
not they could actually fly (see: Doduo and Dodrio). Psyduck and Golduck, however, did not receive the
"bird" or "flying" type because they are not birds. With four webbed limbs, a full covering of fur,
mammalian tails and the ability to swim underwater, these two pokemon always have been and always will
be duck-billed Platypi and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. You might try to say that they're
just styleized, duck-like monsters, but that would still make them styleized, duck-like monsters identical to
platypi. You must see the futility in arguing this.
the 21st century, but you're just going to have to wake up and accept the fact that having "duck" in their
names doesn't mean a damn thing. During the prototype phases of Pokemon: Red and Green (yes, Red
and Green), "flying" type was known as "bird" type, and given to every bird-based pokemon wether or
not they could actually fly (see: Doduo and Dodrio). Psyduck and Golduck, however, did not receive the
"bird" or "flying" type because they are not birds. With four webbed limbs, a full covering of fur,
mammalian tails and the ability to swim underwater, these two pokemon always have been and always will
be duck-billed Platypi and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. You might try to say that they're
just styleized, duck-like monsters, but that would still make them styleized, duck-like monsters identical to
platypi. You must see the futility in arguing this.
| Swampert - the Mudskipper |
| Nincada, Ninjask, and Shedinja - Cicadas |
| Trapinch, Vibrava and Flygon - The Antlion |
| Huntail - the Deep sea Gulper Eel |
| Anorith and Armaldo - Anomalocaris |
| Lileep and Cradily - Crinoids or "Sea lilies" |
| Shuckle - Scale Insects |
| Paras and Parasect - Cicadas & parasitic fungi |
| Vileplume - Rafflesia Arnoldi |
| Victreebel - Nepenthes |
| Raticate - the Nutria |
| Relicanth - Coelecanth |
| Wooper and Quagsire - Axolotls |
| Sceptile family - Leaf-tailed Geckos |
| Psyduck and Golduck - PLATYPI! |
While "folkloric" creatures are really a subject for a whole different article, I thought I would make an
exception for Dunsparce as everyone who sees one demands to know just what the hell they're looking at.
To get right down to buisiness, the Tsuchinoko is supposed to be a fat snake with a round head that can
jump. Yes, really. This japanese legend is most certainly inspired by ordinary, overfed reptiles, but
"sightings" (probably also of ordinary, overfed reptiles) persist to this very day. Many even consider the
Tsuchinoko a valid Cryptozoological phenomenon on par with the Sasquatch or Kongamato, and a
pretty bounty for its capture has been in effect for generations. However unlikely its existence may be, the
complete lack of evidence only seems to add to the stunted serpent's charm, and it enjoys the same sort of
campy appreciation as America's own Jackalope. All I know is, the whole idea is just cute as the
dickens...and so is my beloved Dunsparce.
exception for Dunsparce as everyone who sees one demands to know just what the hell they're looking at.
To get right down to buisiness, the Tsuchinoko is supposed to be a fat snake with a round head that can
jump. Yes, really. This japanese legend is most certainly inspired by ordinary, overfed reptiles, but
"sightings" (probably also of ordinary, overfed reptiles) persist to this very day. Many even consider the
Tsuchinoko a valid Cryptozoological phenomenon on par with the Sasquatch or Kongamato, and a
pretty bounty for its capture has been in effect for generations. However unlikely its existence may be, the
complete lack of evidence only seems to add to the stunted serpent's charm, and it enjoys the same sort of
campy appreciation as America's own Jackalope. All I know is, the whole idea is just cute as the
dickens...and so is my beloved Dunsparce.
| Dunsparce - the mythical Tsuchinoko |
Poor, misunderstood Gorebyss. The bright pink, needle-nosed "eel" in seashell brasierre has been labeled
everything from a hagfish to a pipefish and even a dolphin, of all things (wishful thinking by Delphinidae
fans). Evolving from clamperl with the aid of a "deep sea scale", there should be no mistaking this abyssal
fish for a sea-mammal. Gorebyss even forms a deepwater duo with the aforementioned Huntail, which
evolves from Clamperl with a "deep sea tooth".
While the long-nosed Chimaera does not actually feed through its snout (as is the case with vicious,
vampiric Gorebyss), it is an animal distinctly associated with the Abyssal reaches, and there is no denying
the physical resemblance. Several other species of Chimaeraform exist, but like many other deep-sea
creatures, they enjoyed more diversity in prehistoric times. They are related to sharks and rays, but belong
in their own subgroup of carilaginous fish. Most prey on hard-shelled creatures, and a flexible spine at the
base of their dorsal fin is dangerously venomous.
everything from a hagfish to a pipefish and even a dolphin, of all things (wishful thinking by Delphinidae
fans). Evolving from clamperl with the aid of a "deep sea scale", there should be no mistaking this abyssal
fish for a sea-mammal. Gorebyss even forms a deepwater duo with the aforementioned Huntail, which
evolves from Clamperl with a "deep sea tooth".
While the long-nosed Chimaera does not actually feed through its snout (as is the case with vicious,
vampiric Gorebyss), it is an animal distinctly associated with the Abyssal reaches, and there is no denying
the physical resemblance. Several other species of Chimaeraform exist, but like many other deep-sea
creatures, they enjoyed more diversity in prehistoric times. They are related to sharks and rays, but belong
in their own subgroup of carilaginous fish. Most prey on hard-shelled creatures, and a flexible spine at the
base of their dorsal fin is dangerously venomous.
| Gorebyss - The Long-nosed Chimaera |
The legendary water type "Manaphy" of "Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl" can be bred to produce the
much-less-legendary Fione, populating the pokeseas with its malphormed offspring. Cute, but nowhere
near as cute as the real-world Clione. These tiny, shell-less sea snails, with their darling little "wings", are
yet another oddball animal idolized by the Japanese, who call it "Naked Turtle Shell" or "Angel of the Ice".
They are, as you may have guessed, cold-water animals, and follow broken ice floes out to sea as spring
approaches. They mate side-by-side, each embracing the other with one wing while swimming in unison.
Unlike their pokemon counterparts, these precious sea-pixies are actually rather brutal predators, and
feed almost exclusively on another, shell-bearing species of swimming snail. With a ring of expandable
tentacles concealed within its saclike head, the Clione ensnares its preferred quarry and utilizes "hook
sacs" to tear the entire catch out of its shell, which the little sea-angel tosses aside as it engulfs the prey
alive and bores into it with tooth-lined tongue.
much-less-legendary Fione, populating the pokeseas with its malphormed offspring. Cute, but nowhere
near as cute as the real-world Clione. These tiny, shell-less sea snails, with their darling little "wings", are
yet another oddball animal idolized by the Japanese, who call it "Naked Turtle Shell" or "Angel of the Ice".
They are, as you may have guessed, cold-water animals, and follow broken ice floes out to sea as spring
approaches. They mate side-by-side, each embracing the other with one wing while swimming in unison.
Unlike their pokemon counterparts, these precious sea-pixies are actually rather brutal predators, and
feed almost exclusively on another, shell-bearing species of swimming snail. With a ring of expandable
tentacles concealed within its saclike head, the Clione ensnares its preferred quarry and utilizes "hook
sacs" to tear the entire catch out of its shell, which the little sea-angel tosses aside as it engulfs the prey
alive and bores into it with tooth-lined tongue.
| Fione & Manaphy - Clione or "Sea Butterflies" |
| The Pineco family (left) and the Burmy family (right) - Bagworm Moths |
Though referred to as a "cricket" Pokemon, the musical Kricketune is actually based on a type of
carnivorous Carabid beetle, Mormolyce phylloides. Commonly called a violin beetle, fiddle beetle or
Malayan leaf beetle. These beetles have been the basis for several other Japanese monsters, and the
swept or sickle-shaped antenna are seen as a major distinguishing characteristic.
Unlike crickets or Kricketune, the violin beetle cannot produce sound. Its flattened body is highly
effective for a life amidst tree bark, leaf litter or loose soil, and its elongated head can draw smaller insect
prey out of tunnels and crevasses. When threatened, this beetle ejects butyric acid from glands within its
abdomen, capable of paralyzing human fingers for over a day.
carnivorous Carabid beetle, Mormolyce phylloides. Commonly called a violin beetle, fiddle beetle or
Malayan leaf beetle. These beetles have been the basis for several other Japanese monsters, and the
swept or sickle-shaped antenna are seen as a major distinguishing characteristic.
Unlike crickets or Kricketune, the violin beetle cannot produce sound. Its flattened body is highly
effective for a life amidst tree bark, leaf litter or loose soil, and its elongated head can draw smaller insect
prey out of tunnels and crevasses. When threatened, this beetle ejects butyric acid from glands within its
abdomen, capable of paralyzing human fingers for over a day.
| Kricketune - The Violin Beetle |
