Sure, we know a lot of Pokemon are based on animals, but some of those Pokemon are a lot MORE based on animals than you'd realize. 

Like, actually based on very specific species and containing very specific traits and features unique to certain types of animals. 

As Brock just shows off his hot body, let’s take a look at the 10 real faces of your favourite Pokémon.

10. Luvdisc is based on the kissing gourami

Luvdisc instantly looksl ike such a silly fish - its pink coloration, heart-shape, and...does it actually have lips?! Why would a fish have lips? For kissing or someth...oh. 

The kissing gourami even ACTUALLY kiss (sorta) - they lock "lips" to spar with one another.

9. Poliwag is based on translucent tadpoles

Sure you know Poliwags are meant to be tadpoles. But the weird thing about Poliwag is a certain design choice that most wouldn't think has any significance. 

The swirl on Poliwag's stomach isn't just an aesthetic design - it's based on some species of translucent tadpoles' visible, swirled intestines.

8. Krookodile is a gharial

The most iconic part of Krookodile is his long, thin snout that looks completely exaggerated from what most crocodile snouts actually look like. 

Except it's based off of the gharial, and it actually plays DOWN the ridiculous snout a bit, if anything.

7. Mudkip is based on the axolotl

Mudkip seems like a weird animal - one too many fins, goofy eyes, and things just sprouting out of its cheeks for no reason? 

That's because it's based on the axolotl - or possibly a mudpuppy, but let's stick with axolotl, since it's a way cooler word and JUST LOOK AT THAT PICTURE.  

6. Magikarp looks just like the yellow rockfish

DO NOT LET THAT FISH GET TO LEVEL 20, DUDE. 

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5. Vileplume is a Rafflesia arnoldii

The huge, ridiculous magenta, spotted petals of Vileplume are actually real - they're virtually identical to those of Rafflesia arnoldii - even the central pit looks the same. 

It should also be noted that Rafflesia arnoldii is the largest flower on Earth. Basically, Vileplume SHOULD be a legendary.

4. Caterpie is based on the Eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar

Sure, Caterpies are based on caterpillars - but the specific design of Caterpie ARE based on a specific kind of caterpillar. 

Even more weirdly - that thing you thought was Caterpie's eye? NOPE. Just a marking on the caterpillar. Are Caterpies totally blind? Not saying definitively, but mine has missed A LOT of String Shots.

3. Victreebel is a pitcher plant

Victreebel - a genuinely terrifying Pokemon - is based on pitcher plants, a VERY genuinely terrifying real life thing. 

When you Google image search "pitcher plant", the first suggested addition is "eating a mouse."

The leaf over the Victreebel's mouth even matches up with those of pitcher plants - sadly, pitcher plants don't actually have fangs, because not even Mother Nature is that sadistic.

2. Drowzee is a Malayan tapir

The dream-devouring Drowzee is basically the Malayan tapir (except with a few more psychic abilities). 

The same elephant-esque nose, the same ears, and the same hooves. Let's just hope it doesn't start hypnotizing people when it grows up.

1. Shellos is based on Chromodoris lochi

The mysteriously shell-less Shellos is pretty obviously inspired by sea slugs - the wavy body, the shape of the antennae, and even those things on its back - but, more specifically, the Chromodoris lochi.

Well now you may should re-think everything you thought you knew about Pokemon.

(source:dorkly.com)