Pokémon of the Day #0490
Name: Manaphy
Pronunciation: Mann-Ah-Fee
Etymology: Mana (Source of life in Polynesian culture) + Fay (Fairies)
Type: Water
Design Origins:
Manaphy is based on a sea angel or floating sea slug. Sea angels are very popular in Japanese documentaries, especially those shown in Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan which the Sinnoh region is based on. When Manaphy breeds, it is only able to produce Phione, it cannot produce other Manaphy, which may be based on the biological phenomenon known as eusociality in which a single breeding female or queen oversees an entire colony of infertile offspring which, in-turn, tend to her. Manaphy is the only Pokémon to produce a unique looking egg when it breeds, this egg resembles a turritopsis dohrnii, more commonly known as the immortal jellyfish.
Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:
“It starts its life with a wondrous power that permits it to bond with any kind of Pokémon.” - HeartGold, SoulSilver, Y, Alpha Sapphire
Most Recent Competitive Standings:
Smogon:
Gen 9: UU
VGC:
N/A
