Research Notes - Magikarp
Cyprinus serpensis

Gyarados are thought to be rather ancient Pokémon, having changed little over the centuries. Their closest relatives are believed to be Seaking, fellow bony fishes that they are thought to share a common ancestor with. Fossil evidence shows that the famously weak Magikarp in fact may have been far more powerful in the past, with strength fitting of Pokémon that evolve into vicious Gyarados. It is thought that a catastrophic ocean event led to the selection of hardy but weak Magikarp over less resilient but stronger ones. Gyarados lay many, many eggs, so that even if the majority of their offspring die off, their genes would still carry on to the next generation.

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Diet

Magikarp eat whatever they can find, as they are unable to hunt other Pokémon or even spend much time foraging out in the open. Luckily, they require little food or energy to survive. Gyarados, on the other hand, are vicious hunters that will eat anything they come across.

Care

Taking care of Magikarp is exceedingly easy. Provided with nothing more than algae and a large enough container of water, they would easily survive and even thrive. They are often sold as aquarium fish to young children for this reason (to be released as they approach evolution, of course). Gyarados require huge bodies of water and should only be let out of their Poké Balls in large lakes or oceans. They have no preferences between live or dead prey.

Caution

As one would expect, Magikarp are arguably one of the least threatening Pokémon to be around. They essentially pose no threat to people. On the other hand, Gyarados are one of the most dangerous Pokémon the majority of trainers will encounter. They are brutal and destructive, rampaging whenever angered. Inexperienced trainers should never confront an enraged Gyarados; instead, it is advised that one should run away as far as possible from the water’s edge.