Research Notes - Piplup
Spenicus napoleonis

Empoleon are notable for being the only avians adapted to maneuvering primarily underwater (their close relative Pelipper can dive in shallow depths, but pale in comparison to Empoleon’s aquatic prowess). They are heavily adapted to life in polar seas, with insulating down and hard flippers that can break apart ice floes. As a tradeoff, though, Empoleon has also lost its capability of flight, and they are one of the few avians that lack the Flying-type. The horns on their heads are sometimes used as symbols of power; a notable travel gear company uses the design as their logo, for instance.

---

Diet

All members of this family dive into icy seas to catch fish. Piplup and Prinplup are solitary hunters, but Empoleon work together in small flocks to hunt, approaching schools of fish from all sides to spook them into balling together.

Care

Piplup and its evolutions are notoriously prideful and difficult to care for. They refuse to accept care from others, so trainers must go to great lengths to make them think they are taking care of themselves. Naturalistic feeding tanks stocked with live fish, for instance, are a must for these Pokémon, who prefer to catch their own food. They do not fare well in warm climates, as they are adapted to icy conditions.

Caution

Piplup don’t pose much of a threat to humans; they rarely approach strangers, though, so wild encounters are rare. All members of this line will attack those that damage their pride, however; they may even strike at those that try to offer them food or sympathy. Prinplup are most likely to retaliate in response to perceived offenses; Empoleon prefer to appear unfazed and walk away from confrontation, as if the offenders are beneath them.