Real-Life Pokémon

The Pokémon franchise currently features 1,025 unique Pokémon, many inspired by real-life animals. Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, drew heavy inspiration from nature while designing the series’ first generation, using real animals to shape the fictional world of Pokémon. 

Some of these animals also have fascinating Pokemon-like abilities—evolutionary adaptations that allow them to thrive in their respective environments. 

Clauncher / Clawitzer: The Pistol Shrimp

Clauncher is a Pokémon that launches water projectiles from its large right appendage. Its name is a combination of the words ‘claw’ and ‘howitzer,’ an artillery weapon that is a combination of a gun and mortar.  

The pistol shrimp, also known as the snapping shrimp, is a marine crustacean known for its unique ability to create high-speed water jets that produce a loud “snap” sound. This snapping mechanism allows the shrimp to stun or kill its prey and ward off predators. 

The pistol shrimp has one large claw (called a "snapper claw") used as a weapon. When the shrimp rapidly closes the claw, it creates a high-velocity water jet. This movement generates a fast, low-pressure bubble. The bubble implodes violently, producing an intense shockwave and a "pop" sound. Moreover, in a Pokémon-like fashion, the collapse of the bubble creates temperatures up to 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or 4,427 degrees Celsius), which is four times hotter than lava, and a loud sound reaching up to 210 decibels—louder than a gunshot. The unfortunate sea creature that is hit by this underwater bullet is either stunned for long enough for the pistol shrimp to tear it apart or killed on impact by the high-speed bubbles. 

Pistol shrimps can also choose to shed their claws when threatened, a survival tactic that allows them to escape predators. They can then regenerate these claws over time, ensuring they can regain their primary tool for hunting and defense. 

Rellor: The Dung Beetle

Rellor, the ‘Rolling Pokémon,’ is a Pokémon that creates a mud ball from sand and dirt and uses its psychic powers to roll the ball along. It is based on the real-life dung beetle.

The dung beetle is an insect known for its interesting behavior of collecting and rolling up animal dung. Dung beetles are equipped with a hornlike structure at the back of the head, spurs (spikes behind the legs), and strong front legs, making them well-adapted for fighting, digging, and rolling up balls of dung. Some species are also powerful fliers and can travel miles to search for dung, which can be detected from afar by specialized antennae. 

Dung beetles play a critical role in ecosystems by supporting nutrient recycling and improving soil health. For instance, they aid in breaking down animal feces, reducing the spread of disease-causing pathogens, and promoting plant growth. Moreover, dung beetles also contribute to carbon sequestration (capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide) by burying organic matter, making them essential for maintaining environmental balance. 

Kommo-o: The Komodo Dragon

Komoo-o, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon boasting a strong axe-like jaw and scaly body is largely based on the Komodo dragon. 

The Komodo dragon, native to select Indonesian islands such as Komodo Island, is the world’s largest and heaviest lizard, with adults growing to 10 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds. 

As the apex predators on the few islands they inhabit, Komodo dragons feed on carrion (flesh of dead animals), deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo. They hunt by relying on camouflage and patience, staying still until prey comes close. Then, they use their sharp claws and serrated, shark-like teeth to strike and take down their target. Additionally, the teeth of a Komodo dragon are tipped with iron to help keep them sharp and resistant to wear and tear. 

In addition to their impressive size and hunting abilities, Komodo dragons exhibit unique reproductive traits. Females can reproduce through parthenogenesis, allowing them to lay eggs without mating. 

Conclusion

While one may enjoy the Pokémon universe through playing its games and watching the various media based on these games, we tend to forget that its diverse and captivating ‘Pocket Monsters’ draw inspiration from real-life events and animals—extraordinary creatures that coexist with us on this incredible planet.

Sources:

https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/pistol-shrimp.htm

https://www.wired.com/2014/07/absurd-creature-of-the-week-pistol-shrimp/

https://www.shamwari.com/the-magnificent-flightless-dung-beetle/

https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/dung-beetle

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/komodo-dragon

https://www.britannica.com/animal/Komodo-dragon

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/24/komodo-dragons-iron-coated-teeth