Magikarp

Ah, the cockroach of fish. Basically worthless, and yet impossible to get rid of. Of course, cockroaches don't grow up to be giant MIB style beasts either (thank heavens).

Let it be known that thanks to his correct guessage of Ursaring ([link]), won the opportunity to suggest this wonderful little waste of life.

Anyway, here's "Biology of" 28. Not surprisingly, many of you were able to guess from the preview image ([link]) exactly what to expect, but here are all those who guessed correctly anyway:


and of course, the official winner and selector of the subject for "Biology of" 30:

Sorry, Phil, but you spelled it wrong...so...no points for you.

Always remember, no matter how many magikarp you catch (or any pokémon, for that matter), they really belong to Nintendo and Gamefreak.

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Transcription for the Hard of Seeing
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(from top to bottom, left to right)

No. 129 - Magikarp

"It would almost seem that magikarp desire to be preyed upon. They are often seen leaping high out of lakes and ponds, for no apparent reason. Naturally, this makes them easy prey for terrestrial fish-eaters."

"Some scientists speculate that magikarp were not always the hapless creatures they are today. It's been theorized that ancestors of magikarp were large, and much stronger swimmers. Well developed pelvic fins would have improved their maneuverability, and with their greater size, strength, and speed, 'ancient magikarp' may even have been predators!"

"A magikarp's barbels, the 'whisker-like' organs on either side of its mouth, house its taste buds. By touching their barbels against different surfaces, magikarp can easily find food in even the murkiest water. Barbels are yellow on males, and white on females."

"Despite a magikarp's many vulnerabilities, it also has several traits that keep its species' status quo. Magikarp are able to survive in both fresh and salt water, are able to live in even the most polluted water, and also lay clutches containing several thousands of eggs. Their scales are also exceptionally hard."

"As far as diet goes, magikarp feed mostly off of algae and waterborne plant-life. In more food-scarce environments, magikarps are known to swallow rocks, just to suck the algae off of them."