15 Animals that haven’t been made into Pokémon

8. Goblin Shark

Goblin Shark Pokemon

The terrifying goblin shark is practically a Pokémon already. It's best known for its extendable jaw, which it can use to reach out and grab its prey. It also sports a long, sword-like snout that could easily be incorporated into a Pokémon design. 

Its spooky appearance makes Water/Dark-type a good fit, but it'd be really cool to see what Game Freak could do with a Water/Ghost-type. Goblin sharks have been around for millions of years. Imagine them as souls cursed to roam the ocean eternally. It would make for an amazing Pokédex entry.

9. Jackalope

Jackalope Pokemon

Game Freak's made a lot of rabbit Pokémon, but they've never done anything like a jackalope. A mythical rabbit/antelope hybrid feels like something they would have created on their own if it hadn't already been invented. It'd be great to watch one grow from a tiny bunny into a fearsome jackrabbit. 

The milk of a jackalope is said to have medicinal properties, which would compliment the Normal-type move Milk Drink perfectly. That said, a Grass/Fighting jackalope would be a lot of fun. Jackrabbits in the wild sometimes look like they're boxing, and Headbutt would be brutal with those antlers. 

10. Dalmatian

Dalmatian Pokemon

Every generation of Pokémon has a creature inspired by a dog, and it's high time we got a dalmatian. They have an iconic look that could blend into the Pokémon world with minimal alterations. 

Since dalmatians are known as firehouse dogs, why not go with Water/Normal-type? It'd be pretty different from the dogs we've gotten in the past, and would make for some really fun animations. A standard Normal-type dalmatian would be fun, but not as fun as a dog with a built-in fire hose.

11. Cockroach

Cockroach Pokemon

The indestructible cockroach would make an excellent defensive wall. Cockroaches aren't well-liked, but they'd definitely make for an interesting Pokémon. A Madagascar hissing cockroach already looks like it's wearing armor, and American cockroaches, gross though they may be, have a lot of personality.

Since Rock-types have such high defense, a Bug/Rock cockroach makes a lot of sense. A Dark/Bug roach would probably be easier to take down, but it could also make for a really fun design. Picture a cockroach as a tiny Pokémon supervillain. 

12. Flamingo

Flamingo Pokemon

It's hard to believe that there's not a flamingo Pokémon already. I had to double and triple check to make sure it'd never been done. When Game Freak finally gets around to making one, it'll feel like it's been in the Pokédex for years.

Flamingos spend their time wading in water, so Water-type is an obvious choice. It's figuring out what to combine it with that's tricky. A flamingo could potentially be a great HM slave. Maybe they can join Bibarel in the Normal/Water club.

13. Minotaur

Minotaur Pokemon

A minotaur Pokémon could be both spectacular and terrifying. Sure, it'd be weird to feed it Poké Puffs in Pokémon-Amie, but it'd be impressive in battle. Your rivals would be intimidated before you used a single move. 

There were rumors of a Fairy/Fighting minotaur for months before the release of X and Y. They didn't pan out, but it would have been awesome. Fire/Dark would also be suitable. No matter the typing, a minotaur Pokémon should definitely be a legendary. Players could travel through a labyrinth in order to catch the beast.

14. Hummingbird

Hummingbird Pokemon

Gamers have been wanting a hummingbird Pokémon for a long time, and not just because it'd have a formidable speed stat. Hummingbirds are small and adorable, but still pretty cool looking. They have the potential to be one of the most interesting birds in the Pokédex. They're also a perfect fit for the Sap Sipper ability. 

Both Normal/Flying and Grass/Flying could work really well for a hummingbird Pokémon. Normal-type would suit a traditional design, and Grass-type would let Game Freak play with  the hummingbird's love of flowers. Either option would look great in a Pokémon party.

15. Mantis Shrimp

Mantis Shrimp

The mantis is so cool looking it's hard to believe it's real. It feels like a miniature monster decked out in a dazzling array of colors. Adding to its appeal is the fact that its a brutal killing machine. 

One of the many ways a mantis shrimp kills its prey involves electric shock waves, which means it'd make a great Water/Electric Pokémon. It can also boil its victims alive, making it an ideal choice for the first Water/Fire Pokémon. This is the Pokémon of dreams, and maybe someday we'll have the chance to unleash this tiny killer in a Pokémon battle. 

Game Freak's created over 700 Pokémon, but there's still plenty left for them to do. No matter how many creatures they make, there'll always be more amazing animals they can use for inspiration. Be sure to share your ideas fo Pokémon in the comments!

For years, fans have accused Game Freak of being out of ideas. When you look at some inanimate object Pokémon or the overabundance of rabbit-based Pokémon, it's easy to see where they're coming from. This generation has introduced some fantastic new Pokémon, like Greninja, Aegislash, and Goodra, but it added less than 70 new Pokémon in total. Are there any animals left for Game Freak to use?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes. The animal world is full of fascinating creatures that would make excellent Pokémon. From marsupials to mythical beasts, here are 15 creatures Game Freak has yet to tackle.

1. Goose

Goose Pokemon

Game Freak's made duck after duck, but they've never attempted a goose. Swanna is the closest they've come. It's a little insane that there are legions of Pokémon based off of mythical creatures, but not one inspired by your ordinary, everyday goose.

Water/Flying is a good fit for a goose-based Pokémon, but it's a little mundane. If Game Freak drew inspiration from Mother Goose and played up the connection to fairy tales, they could make a really interesting Water/Fairy or Flying/Fairy Pokémon. It would definitely stand out from the duck crowd.

2. Lemur

Lemur Pokemon

Lemurs are cute in a weird, cartoon-y sort of way that would translate perfectly to the Pokémon universe. It's also easy to picture one as a starter. Why hasn't Game Freak gone this route yet? Maybe they're afraid of what lemurs could do with a move like Baby-Doll Eyes.

A Fire or Grass-type lemur would be an excellent starter, and it's also easy to picture them as a Normal-type Pokémon. That said, the name lemur has some really intriguing origins. It comes from "lemures", which is a type of restless spirit. A Ghost-type lemur could be very interesting.

3. Narwhal

Narwhal Pokemon

The ocean is full of strange and wonderful creatures, and the narwhal is one of them. They're toothed whales, but they bear a slight resemblance to unicorns thanks to their long, sharp tusks. There's something about them that feels a little unreal, and that makes them a great candidate for a Pokémon.

There's a sword-like quality to the narwhal's tusk that would be ideal for a Water/Steel-type. Empoleon's the only Water/Steel-type in the Pokédex, and he could use some company! If Game Freak opted to play up the unicorn element, Water/Fairy-type would work just as well.

4. Koala

Koala Pokemom

People love koalas. They're cute, they're fuzzy, and they look like they'd give really good hugs. Best of all, beneath their cuddly exterior lurks a surprisingly vicious creature that could do some real damage in a Pokémon battle. 

Koalas primarily subside on venomous plants, which means they'd work really well as a Grass/Poison-type. However, it might be more fun to see them use their claws as a Grass/Fighting-type. Either way, a koala Pokémon would be a force to be reckoned with.

5. Peacock

Peacock Pokemon

A peacock is pretty much the perfect starter Pokémon. They'd join you as a cute little bird, start to develop some plumage, and eventually evolve into something majestic. It'd be great to have a peacock by your side at every stage of your Pokémon journey. 

Thanks to some excellent fanart, I tend to think of peacocks as Grass-type. Still, a Fire-type peacock would be spectacular as long as it differentiated itself from Ho-Oh, and a Water-type peacock could be absolutely beautiful. Each time a new set of starters is announced, I hope one of them will be a peacock. Someday.

6. Pegasus

Pegasus Pokemon

Mega Absol has given gamers a taste of what a pegasus Pokémon could be like. Imagine flying from city to city on the back of a winged horse. There are surprisingly few horse-inspired Pokémon out there, and it'd be great to have another.

Fairy/Flying is a natural fit for a mythical horse, but Flying/Psychic or even Flying/Ghost could work just as well. If it weren't for Rapidash, Fire/Flying would be amazing. Ultimately, the typing doesn't really matter as long as it can learn Fly.

7. Opossum

Possum Pokemon

Technically speaking, opossums are marsupials, but they could easily fill the niche of "rodent-like creature that shows up near the start of every Pokémon game". Playing possum is tailor made for a Pokémon ability, and their love of hanging by their tails could make for some really fun animations.

Since opossums are usually nocturnal, Ground/Dark-type would be a good fit. An opossum Pokémon could be a real threat with a move like Dark Void. If Game Freak opts for a cuter design, Normal-type could also work well.