>>47406141"Milotic seems to be based on a sea serpent and a mermaid due to its hair-like fins, pale upper body, and scaly lower body. It is also similar to an oarfish, which have very long bodies and red fins. Its gills are similar to those of lampreys and hagfishes. Its tail fin resembles a hand fan, and its colorful scales resemble stained glass. Its feminine appearance and history of being depicted in art indicate that it may be inspired by Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Its drastic transformation after evolving from Feebas may be inspired by the classic fairy tale The Ugly Duckling, where a small and feeble duckling is treated as an outcast by other animals until it eventually grows up to be a beautiful swan."
They're not gills and Milotic is a beautiful sea snek. Cope.
