Relicanth

A coelacanth under pressure

Relicanth is based on the coelacanth, a fish that survived without visible changes for millions of years and was rediscovered in the real world after being considered extinct. The game turns that story into a seafloor animal with hardened scales and the features of an armored fish. Its two pairs of pectoral fins explain why it moves along the ocean floor instead of swimming like a conventional fish. Its toothless mouth also has a specific biological function: filtering microorganisms from the water.

The Japanese name ジーランス is formed from the idea of an old man and “coelacanth”. The English name refers to the explorer associated with its discovery. Pokédex entries have maintained that connection with underwater exploration since its debut.

A species that has stayed in place

It appeared in Generation III and has kept a single form, a single species, and the same living-fossil concept ever since. Later entries do not change that foundation, but they add details: its fat withstands abyssal pressure, its swim bladders contain oil, and its name is connected to the person who discovered it. In later games, its movepool has also expanded, with options such as Rock Polish, Stealth Rock, and Rain Dance that allow approaches other than the slow physical attacker.

Among Water- and Rock-type Pokémon, it shares space with Kabutops, Carracosta, and Lycanroc. The first two compete directly for the offensive role, while Lycanroc applies pressure from the Rock side with much higher Speed. Relicanth answers with 100 HP and 130 Defense, but its 55 Speed means it almost always needs support to attack first.

How to get the most out of it in a battle

In a standard battle, it is best saved for physical opponents that do not have Grass, Electric, Fighting, or Ground attacks. It can switch into Fire, Ice, Flying, Normal, or Poison moves, set Stealth Rock, and force switches with the threat of Head Smash. If it has Rock Head, Double-Edge loses its recoil and Head Smash becomes its strongest Rock-type hit.

Another option is to activate Rain Dance and take advantage of Swift Swim. This plan requires opponents that resist Water to be weakened, because its 45 Special Attack means special Water attacks do not make up for the loss of physical power. Aqua Tail is more consistent with its profile, although its power is lower than Head Smash’s.

What stops it in its tracks

Its 65 Special Defense is the less obvious problem until it takes a powerful special attack. Its 55 Speed makes the situation worse: many opponents can strike first and exploit its weaknesses before it acts. Grass Pokémon are especially clear answers, while Electric-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks also force it out. Against bulky Water species, the damage from its moves can fall short.

That is why it should not be treated as a self-sufficient sweeper. It needs rain, prior chip damage, or teammates that cover Grass and Electric. Its most realistic contribution is to come in once, make use of its physical bulk, and leave Stealth Rock on the field before special pressure or its low Speed forces it to retreat.