Research Notes - Psyduck
Anas kappus

The classification of Golduck is a perplexing conundrum that has baffled scientists for centuries. With their bills and webbed limbs, they seem to resemble aquatic avians, but with their lack of wings but possession of tails, they seem to have traits of reptilians or mammalians. They were once tentatively placed in the same group as Pokémon like Farfetch’d and Swanna, but now are classified as mammals, though primitive ones at that. Another oddity that these Pokémon possess is that they lay eggs in the wild instead of giving live birth like other mammals. They share this trait with their fellow monotremes Blissey.

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Diet

Psyduck feed primarily on weeds that grow on rocks and river beds. Though Golduck will also graze like this from time to time, they will also hunt aquatic prey. They will catch fish and shellfish like Magikarp, Krabby, and Shellder with their superb swimming skills.

Care

Trainers should not try to treat their Psyduck’s headaches with traditional or alternative medicine; though they cause the Pokémon pain and stress, they are a natural occurrence for the species and are necessary for them to properly develop their psychic abilities. Both Psyduck and Golduck need to keep their skin moist. Golduck also need access to large bodies of water in order to swim freely.

Caution

It should be noted that Psyduck cannot completely control their psychic abilities when they activate. The Pokémon seem to perform whatever task they were most concentrated on before their episodes begin, so trainers should keep their Psyduck as calm as possible when they begin showing signs of stronger headaches. Golduck pose little threat to humans, as they are not aggressive, but will defend themselves with Psychic-type attacks if threatened.