Research Notes - Phione
Clione manaphus

Phione are an odd Pokémon when it comes to classification; according to myth, all Phione are descendants of the legendary Pokémon Manaphy, which to some (including most Sinnoh residents) means that they themselves are legendaries. In all other aspects, however, Phione are essentially a normal species; they reproduce on their own to produce more Phione, for instance. Scientists believe that the mythical Manaphy is likely a lone mutation that resulted in a phenotypically-different Phione that could nevertheless breed to produce normal offspring. Phylogenically, these Pokémon, with their soft bodies and lack of skeletons, are gastropods like Gastrodon.

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Diet

Phione feed on algae and microscopic plankton as they drift about on warm ocean currents. They may sometimes dive into shallow coral reefs if they notice that food is particularly plentiful beneath them.

Care

Phione require very clean, warm water; they are almost entirely composed of the substance, so even small changes in water quality can have drastic effects on their health. They are poor swimmers that require currents in order to navigate. Phione migrate annually to a hidden location somewhere in the sea south of Sinnoh; trainers should let their Phione complete this journey alone, as it is illegal to follow these Pokémon without a permit from the Pokémon League.

Caution

Phione are not at all dangerous Pokémon, even in the large groups that they are often found in. They don’t seem capable of defending themselves from attackers; regardless, these Pokémon rarely ever appear to draw the ire of predators. For reasons unknown, wild Pokémon leave groups of floating Phione alone, and swimmers that come across them similarly report feeling a desire to let them be.