Variant Pokémon

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Variant Pokémon are who vary in their appearance compared to other Pokémon of the same species. This is often due to gender, , special genetic traits, or environmental factors such as climate. Certain symbiotic relationships may also play a role in this. Depending on the species, the altered appearance may be purely cosmetic or it may affect how they perform in battles.
While many variances are caused by natural processes, they sometimes can be artificially invoked as well. This may be achieved through the use of physical modifications or behavioral conditioning, or contact with certain items and radiation.
==Multiple species==
===Form differences===
Form differences are major variations that are officially recognized by the Pokédex.
===Shiny Pokémon===
Shiny Pokémon are Pokémon with an alternate coloration. They are extremely rare. These Pokémon all have a shining animation at the beginning of the battle when they are sent out or encountered.
===Gender differences===
From Generation IV onward, there are many Pokémon that appear differently as a result of their gender.
Of these, , , , , , , and differ so drastically that they even have separate menu sprites and artworks.
===Regional forms===
In Generation VII, regional forms made their debut with Alola Form Pokémon. Regional forms are Pokémon that have adapted uniquely to a habitat different than their species normally occupies in the rest of the world. This results in many differences, such as different appearances, types, and .
===Totem Pokémon=== 
Totem Pokémon are wild Pokémon that serve as the final hurdle in all trials of the island challenge. They are larger and heavier than other Pokémon of the same species. At the start of battle, the Totem Pokémon is enveloped in a special aura which boosts its stats.
===Hisui's Ride Pokémon===
Ride Pokémon are descendants of five of the ten companions of the ancient hero of legend that were all blessed by in the past. They're often larger than other Pokémon of the same species. During the events of the game, they assist the player who they deem worthy in their mission to "seek out all Pokémon".
===Noble Pokémon===
Noble Pokémon are descendants of five of the ten companions of the ancient hero of legend that were all blessed by in the past. They're often larger than other Pokémon of the same species. During the events of the game, they all became frenzied due to golden lightning coming from inside Space-time rifts.
===Ecologically similar Pokémon===
Ecologically similar Pokémon are Pokémon that resemble previously discovered Pokémon in the past. Yet they are completely different despite their similarities.
===Titan Pokémon===
Titan Pokémon are Pokémon that feed on Herba Mystica, rare herbs with amazing healing properties and the capability of making Pokémon grow huge.
===Paradox Pokémon===
 
Paradox Pokémon are Pokémon that resemble ancient or futuristic versions of contemporary Pokémon. They were brought into the present by a time machine built by Professor Sada/Professor Turo.
===Unique Terastallized states===
The two game mascots of : The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, and , both have unique .
===Pokémon fusions===
Some Pokémon have been known to combine with other Pokémon or even people. 
===Giant Pokémon===
Giant Pokémon are Pokémon that are much larger than usual. Many phenomena can cause giant Pokémon to occur.
===Shadow Pokémon===
Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon that have had the door to their heart shut artificially by Cipher. They are the only Pokémon capable of using Shadow moves.
===Toy Pokémon===
Toy Pokémon are Pokémon toys given self-awareness by Wonder Keys that appear in the Pokémon Rumble series. They are different to normal Pokémon in many ways; for example, they can only know two moves at a time.
====Rusty Pokémon====
Over time Toy Pokémon rust, causing them to become Rusty Pokémon. Dark Rust can instantaneously rust Toy Pokémon. Rusty Pokémon can be restored using Glowdrops or the .
===Illumina Pokémon===
In the game New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon from the Lental region may temporarily exhibit the Illumina phenomenon, where their bodies glow in the presence of Illumina orbs or if in close contact with crystabloom flowers. Some Pokémon, dubbed Illumina Pokémon, are perpetually glowing.
Known Illumina Pokémon include , , , , , and .
File:Meganium Illumina.png|Meganium
File:Milotic Illumina.png|Milotic
File:Wishiwashi Illumina.png|Wishiwashi
File:Volcarona Illumina.png|Volcarona
File:Steelix Illumina.png|Steelix
File:Xerneas Illumina.png|Xerneas
===Cloned Pokémon===
Cloned Pokémon are Pokémon that have been artificially duplicated from another specimen. This process works on both living and fossilized specimens. Many of these clones are not identical to their original specimen: , two, two, two, Pikachutwo, two, two, two, and two all display this.
Other known cloned Pokémon are , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
File:Mewtwo Clones.png|Mewtwo, Venusaurtwo, Blastoisetwo, Sandslash, Vaporeon, Golduck, Nidoqueen, Ninetales, Vulpix, Vileplume, Wigglytuff, Rapidash, Rhyhorn
File:Mewtwo M01.png|Mewtwo
File:Kanto first partner Clones.png|Bulbasaurtwo, Charmandertwo, Squirtletwo
File:Pikachutwo.png|Pikachutwo
File:Venusaur Clone.png|Venusaurtwo
File:Charizard Clone.png|Charizardtwo
File:Blastoise Clone.png|Blastoisetwo
File:Meowthtwo.png|Meowthtwo
File:Baby Nidoqueen and Baby Rhyhorn.png|Baby Nidoqueen and Baby Rhyhorn born from clones
===Mirage Pokémon===
Mirage Pokémon are holographic Pokémon created by Dr. Yung. They have only appeared in The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon.
===Valencian Pokémon===
In the episode Poké Ball Peril, a number of alternately colored Pokémon were seen on Valencia Island, including , , , , , , and .
File:Orange Islands Butterfree.png|Butterfree
File:Valencia Island Raticate.png|Raticate
File:Valencia Vileplume.png|Vileplume
File:Valencia Island Paras.png|Paras
File:Valencia Island Weepinbell.png|Weepinbell
===Pink Pokémon===
In the episode In The Pink, all of the Pokémon native to Pinkan Island were shown to be colored pink, due to their diet of Pinkan Berries. Pink Pokémon seen on the island include , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
Ash's Pikachu turned partially pink while eating Pinkan Berries.
Further pink Pokémon seen during 's fantasy include , , , , , , and .
File:Pink Pokemon.png|Caterpie, Mankey, Venonat, Weedle, Primeape
File:Pink Rhyhorn.png|Rhyhorn
File:Pink Pokemon 2.png|Rhydon, Exeggutor, Bellsprout, Vileplume, Mankey, Primeape
File:Pink Diglett 2.png|Paras, Diglett
File:Pink Pidgey.png|Pidgey
File:Pink Nidoran.png|Nidoran♀, Nidoran♂
File:Pink Nidoking.png|Nidoking, Nidoran♂
File:Pink Dodrio.png|Dodrio
File:In The Pink 21.png|Jessie's Arbok and James's Weezing (fantasy)
File:Pink Electabuzz.png|Electabuzz, Rattata, Bellsprout (fantasy)
File:Pink Venonat Poliwhirl.png|Scyther, Venonat, Poliwhirl (fantasy)
==Individual species==
===Arbok===
 has several different face-like patterns, as seen in the , , , and .
File:024Arbok.png|Regenerative pattern(standard appearance; named in Pokémon Adventures)
File:024Arbok RB.png|Main circular pattern
File:Spr 2c 024.png|Secondary circular pattern
File:Pin024.png|Pattern from Pokémon Pinball
File:024msra.png|Pattern from Pokémon Ranger
File:Game Freak Jessie and Arbok.jpg|Jessie and Arbok artwork
File:024_GB_Sound_Collection_Arbok.png|Game Boy: Entire Pokémon Sounds Collection CD
File:Arbok concept art 1.png|Invulnerability pattern
File:Arbok concept art 2.png|Attack pattern
File:Arbok concept art 3.png|Speed pattern
Professor Oak Lecture Arbok 1.png|Prof. Oak's Pokémon Lecture: Arbok(Episode 164)
Professor Oak Lecture Arbok 2.png|Prof. Oak's Pokémon Lecture: Arbok(Episode 164)
Professor Oak Lecture Arbok 3.png|Prof. Oak's Pokémon Lecture: Arbok(Episode 164)
File:First Dark Arbok TCG.png|Dark Arbok (TCG)
===Pikachu===
Almost every Pokémon medium has featured a different Pikachu variant, most notably Surfing and Flying Pikachu.
===Vulpix===
Several of 's Pokédex entries mention that newborn Vulpix only have a single white-colored tail. The tail then splits into six orange-colored tails as it matures, and eventually splits from their tips to increase in number even more.
's only has one tail in its debut in Enta Arrives at the Battle Frontier!. In the same chapter, its tails split into six.
File:Enta Vulpix one tail CBF.png|A one-tailed Vulpix in Pokémon Battle Frontier
===Shellder===
 can be either a bivalve shell or a spiral-shaped shell, depending on whether or not it is attached to a . Though impossible in the games, multiple Pokédex entries state that a Shellder can be detached from the (making it devolve into a Slowpoke) or (making it lose its memory) it is attached to. This gives them a few more characteristics of Shellder variants than actual evolutions. However, because the Shellder is attached to and evolves with the Slowpoke, after evolution they are treated as one Pokémon. Illustrations shown in An Illustrated Book of POCKET MONSTERS depict other variations, though these are explicitly labeled as an of a Slowbro being bitten by a Shellder.
File:Jessie Shellder.png|Shellder
File:Solidad Slowbro Shellder.png|Spiral Shellder
File:Talking Slowking Shellder gem.png|Crown Shellder
File:Slowbro concept art.png|Artist's impression
===Exeggcute and Exeggutor===
 are not always seen as a group of six, and the number of heads an has also varies.
Exeggutor is depicted with an extra head on its back in every core series game up until . In its Pokédex entry for , it is stated that "living in a good environment makes it grow lots of heads". In the early seasons of , it was occasionally depicted with more than three heads, often distributed in a ring around its torso rather than just on the front. In the episode The March of the Exeggutor Squad, an Exeggutor's leaves are cut, revealing five heads. Additionally, official game art during this period also depicted Exeggutor with its heads distributed around its body, though not exceeding three heads. However, from FireRed and LeafGreen onwards, Exeggutor is consistently depicted with three heads on the front, and none on the back across official media.
Eventually, one of Exeggutor's heads will fall off and become a single Exeggcute. This Exeggcute will telepathically communicate with others, in order to join and form a cluster of six. Until they are gathered, Exeggcute won't be able to maintain balance.
File:Single Exeggcute.png|A single Exeggcute
Spr b g1 103.png|Exeggutor's back sprite in Generation I
Spr b 2g 103.png|Exeggutor's back sprite in Generation II
Spr b 3r 103.png|Exeggutor's back sprite in 
103Exeggutor OS anime.png|Exeggutor with four visible heads in artwork from the original series
File:Exeggutor 5 heads.png|Exeggutor with five heads in The March of the Exeggutor Squad
103Exeggutor RG.png|Exeggutor with a ring of heads in art
===Kangaskhan===
's in Japanese is "Parent and Child Pokémon", implying it consists of two beings. This is ratified by the fact that they are all born with a child in their pouch. The child is purple, and has not yet developed most of the features from its parent, having to stay in the pouch for 3 years. Although Kangaskhan's moves are performed by the parent, some cards (Jungle Kangaskhan, Blaine's Kangaskhan, Aquapolis Kangaskhan, and EX FireRed & LeafGreen Kangaskhan) have attacks that involve or are performed by the child.
When Kangaskhan Mega Evolves into Mega Kangaskhan, the baby emerges from the mother's pouch and is noticeably matured.
File:Parent Kangaskhan.png|Parent Kangaskhan
File:Baby Kangaskhan JN001.png|Child Kangaskhan
File:Ilima Mega Kangaskhan.png|Mega Kangaskhan
===Magikarp===
In the game Pokémon: Magikarp Jump, Magikarp's scales come in many different patterns in addition to its usual standard and colorations. These patterns can be classified by groups, depending on how the Magikarp looks while it's still small-sized; a specific pattern arises when it becomes bigger. Which patterns can be caught depend on the Old Rod; the better, the more groups of patterns can be fished.
Magikarp Jump Pattern 01.png|Standard
Magikarp Jump Pattern 02.png|Skelly
Magikarp Jump Pattern 03.png|Calico Orange/White
Magikarp Jump Pattern 04.png|Calico Orange/White/Black
Magikarp Jump Pattern 05.png|Calico White/Orange
Magikarp Jump Pattern 06.png|Calico Orange/Gold
Magikarp Jump Pattern 07.png|Orange Two-Tone
Magikarp Jump Pattern 08.png|Orange Orca
Magikarp Jump Pattern 09.png|Orange Dapples
Magikarp Jump Pattern 10.png|Pink Two-Tone
Magikarp Jump Pattern 11.png|Pink Orca
Magikarp Jump Pattern 12.png|Pink Dapples
Magikarp Jump Pattern 13.png|Gray Bubbles
Magikarp Jump Pattern 14.png|Gray Diamonds
Magikarp Jump Pattern 15.png|Gray Patches
Magikarp Jump Pattern 16.png|Purple Bubbles
Magikarp Jump Pattern 17.png|Purple Diamonds
Magikarp Jump Pattern 18.png|Purple Patches
Magikarp Jump Pattern 19.png|Apricot Tiger
Magikarp Jump Pattern 20.png|Apricot Zebra
Magikarp Jump Pattern 21.png|Apricot Stripes
Magikarp Jump Pattern 22.png|Brown Tiger
Magikarp Jump Pattern 23.png|Brown Zebra
Magikarp Jump Pattern 24.png|Brown Stripes
Magikarp Jump Pattern 25.png|Orange Forehead
Magikarp Jump Pattern 26.png|Orange Mask
Magikarp Jump Pattern 27.png|Black Forehead
Magikarp Jump Pattern 28.png|Black Mask
Magikarp Jump Pattern 29.png|Saucy Blue
Magikarp Jump Pattern 30.png|Blue Raindrops
Magikarp Jump Pattern 31.png|Saucy Violet
Magikarp Jump Pattern 32.png|Violet Raindrops
Magikarp Jump Pattern 99.png|Gold
===Ditto transformations===
When some into another Pokémon, they take on a mild variant form of that Pokémon instead of an exact replica. This happens when Ditto is incapable of changing the face by memory, with the result being a deformed copy of the target Pokémon with a blank, beady-eyed expression.
===Snorlax===
In Snorlax Snowman, several ice-blue adapted to more frigid climates appeared.
In Pokémon Sleep, has a different color in each research site: a regular-colored Snorlax in Greengrass Isle, a green-colored Snorlax in Cyan Beach, a pale-colored Snorlax in Taupe Hollow, a blue-colored Snorlax in Snowdrop Tundra, and a teal-colored Snorlax in Lapis Lakeside.
File:Snorlax PK04.png|Snorlax
File:Snowman Snorlax.png|Snorlax Snowmen
File:Sleep Snorlax Greengrass Isle.png|Greengrass Isle Snorlax
File:Sleep Snorlax Cyan Beach.png|Cyan Beach Snorlax
File:Sleep Snorlax Taupe Hollow.png|Taupe Hollow Snorlax
File:Sleep Snorlax Snowdrop Tundra.png|Snowdrop Tundra Snorlax
File:Sleep Snorlax Lapis Lakeside.png|Lapis Lakeside Snorlax
===Spinda===
Like Unown, has many visual variations in its species, all involving the placement of its spots. Like Unown's letter, the spot placement is generated based on the individual's personality value, and likewise, has no effect on the Pokémon's stats. Unlike Unown, however, these differences are rarely repeated, as the calculation uses the entirety of the personality value—a number that can range from (232 - 1). Some personality values can, however, produce the same apparent pattern from differing values. In Pokémon GO, 9 different numbered patterns of Spinda can be found and are registered as distinct forms in the Pokédex.
;Generation III core series
File:Spr 3r 327Miles.png|Personality value 00000000in Ruby and Sapphire
File:Spr 3r 327Junji3.png|Personality value 88888888in Ruby and Sapphire
File:Spr 3r 327Junji2.png|Personality value E3FDF3FDin Ruby and Sapphire
File:Spr 3r 327Junji1.png|Personality value EEE32A53in Ruby and Sapphire
File:Spr 3e 327Norman1.png|Personality value 00094289in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Maiko.png|Personality value 001C008Ain Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Norman4.png|Personality value 0029A280in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Norman5.png|Personality value 10232080in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Norman2.png|Personality value 102C3290in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Norman3.png|Personality value 102992A0in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Francisco.png|Personality value E2880098in Emerald
File:Spr 3e 327Kimberly.png|Personality value 88FE9800in Emerald
;Pokémon GO
File:GO327.png|Pattern 1in Pokémon GO
File:GO327B.png|Pattern 2in Pokémon GO
File:GO327C.png|Pattern 3in Pokémon GO
File:GO327D.png|Pattern 4in Pokémon GO
File:GO327E.png|Pattern 5in Pokémon GO
File:GO327F.png|Pattern 6in Pokémon GO
File:GO327G.png|Pattern 7in Pokémon GO
File:GO327H.png|Pattern 8in Pokémon GO
File:GO327I.png|Pattern 9in Pokémon GO
;Other
File:AG057.png|Examples of Spinda in
File:Spinda Adventures.png|Examples of Spinda inPokémon Adventures
===Kecleon===
A purple Kecleon is one of the two Kecleon Brothers in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. He also appeared in the special episodes Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate! and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness.
In The Kecleon Caper, a purple nicknamed Reddy appeared under the ownership of Madison. This Kecleon differs in having normal frills, lips and eye rings.
File:Kecleon PMD.png|Kecleon
File:Purple Kecleon PMD.png|Purple Kecleon
===Celesteela===
A baby form of Celesteela appeared in an Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon episode Rise and Shine, Starship!.
File:Baby Celesteela.png|Baby Celesteela
===Unseen variants===
Some variants have only been mentioned in Pokédex entries; Pokémon of these variants have not been shown in any Pokémon media.
Pokémon	Description
 	Charizard's Pokédex entry from states that when Charizard is furious, its tail flares up into a whitish-blue color. This may have been referenced by Mega Charizard X, but it has not been seen otherwise.
 	Weezing's Pokédex entries from state that triplets of the species have been discovered. All Weezing have a third gas chamber, though it has no face.
 	Mantyke's Pokédex entry from says that the pattern on its back varies from region to region. While it has the same appearance in all Generation IV games (due to using the same sprites), the "face" in the Generation and games appears wider; however, all Mantyke look the same within each game, regardless of origin.
 	Gastrodon's Pokédex entry from Pearl says that it used to have a huge shell on its back in ancient times.
 	Genesect's Pokédex entries state that it originally lived 300 million years ago, but was altered by Team Plasma. Although the full appearance of Genesect's original form has not been seen, fossilized parts of it that bear a great similarity to the bodily structure of the modern Genesect appear in Genesect and the Legend Awakened and its manga adaptation.
 	Dreepy's Pokédex entry from states that it originally lived in prehistoric seas and has been reborn as a ghost Pokémon. Its ancient form has never been seen, so it is unknown how similar it is to its current form.
 	Varoom's Pokédex entry from states it is created when an unknown poison Pokémon enters and possesses a scrap engine. The identity of this poison Pokémon is unknown.
==Individual Pokémon==
===Pink Butterfree===
A pink appeared in Bye Bye Butterfree and paired up with Ash's Butterfree, who then left to go with her.
File:Ash Butterfree.png|Ash's Butterfree
File:Pink Butterfree.png|Pink Butterfree
===Crystal Onix===
The Crystal Onix is a special individual that lives on Sunburst Island. Its body is made out of glass crystal. Due to being made out of crystal, it is no longer weak to attacks and instead weak to attacks.
File:Brock Onix.png|Onix
File:Crystal Onix.png|Crystal Onix
===Shadow Mewtwo===
In Pokkén Tournament, Shadow Mewtwo is a that had unwillingly merged with and become possessed by a Shadow Synergy Stone, causing its appearance to change. When wields the power of the Synergy Stone contained in her brooch, Mewtwo is separated from the Shadow Synergy Stone and its appearance returns to normal.
File:Pokkén Mewtwo.png|Mewtwo
File:Pokkén Shadow Mewtwo.png|Shadow Mewtwo
===Gold Sudowoodo===
In All That Glitters is Not Golden!, a Trainer named Keenan owned a that he had turned to during a science experiment, in an attempt to make Sudowoodo immune to attacks. The changes made to Sudowoodo were eventually reversed.
File:Keenan Sudowoodo.png|Sudowoodo
File:Keenan Sudowoodo golden.png|Golden Sudowoodo
===Shadow Lugia===
In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Shadow Lugia, also known as XD001, is a that had been so thoroughly corrupted by Cipher that its appearance changed. After Shadow Lugia is purified by Michael, its normal appearance is restored.
File:Stadium249.png|Lugia
File:249Lugia-Shadow XD.png|Shadow Lugia
===Meta Groudon===
In Jirachi: Wish Maker, Butler created a being in the image of using the power of his machine and . The Meta Groudon began to absorb all life in Forina until it was defeated by Jirachi.
File:AG097.png|Groudon
File:Meta Groudon.png|Meta Groudon
===Green-crystal Deoxys===
One of the Deoxys that appeared in Destiny Deoxys had a green crystal instead of a purple one. It also had a green mark on its face instead of a purple one.
File:Solana Deoxys Defense Forme.png|Purple-crystal Defense Forme Deoxys
File:Deoxys green crystal Defense Forme.png|Green-crystal Defense Forme Deoxys
File:Deoxys crystal.png|The green crystal
===Primal Dialga===
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky, Dialga became Primal Dialga when it lost control of time due to the collapse of the Temporal Tower. Dialga can regain control of time and revert to its normal self if all the Time Gears are brought to the tower. As Primal Dialga, it is incapable of logical reasoning or showing mercy, only seeking self-preservation and preventing time from flowing properly.
File:483Dialga PMD Explorers.png|Dialga
File:Primal Dialga art.png|Primal Dialga
===Z2===
In , Z2 has a blue core as its Core and in its 10% Forme, instead of the red core shown in the official artwork from the XY series of 's Formes.
File:718Zygarde-Core XY anime.png|Zygarde Core
File:718Zygarde-10Percent XY anime.png|Zygarde 10% Forme
File:Z2 Zygarde Core.png|Z2's Core
File:Z2 10 Percent Forme.png|Z2's 10% Forme
==Related articles==
Category:Game mechanics
Category:Pokémon world
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