Mantine's appearance changes from that of its pre-evolution in several ways. It is larger, has wider fins, and loses its original back markings, which are replaced by two ring-shaped marks. Its coloration is also greyer, and its back is a darker blue, along with gaining a wavy outline on its wings. It gains a streamer-like tail and longer "antennae". It also possesses two pairs of gill slits on its underside. Generally, it is pictured with a Remoraid attached to its underside, much like a cleaner fish.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Mantine can fly in the air if they gain enough speed, in a similar manner to how real-life manta rays breach the surface. They soar gracefully out of the water. Mantine are also able to naturally learn moves considered enigmatic for a Water-type Pokémon, such as Psybeam, Bullet Seed, Signal Beam and Confuse Ray. However, several of these moves can be understood if one takes into consideration the Remoraid that is attached to Mantine's wing, as it learns all of these moves with the exception of Confuse Ray.
Behavior
Mantine are mostly docile. They allow Remoraid to latch onto themselves. When they build up speed, they jump out of the water.
In Steamboat Willies!, a Mantine which belongs to the owner of a ship helped Ash and Dawn saving the ship from falling off a waterfall. This Mantine was bigger than usual.
Mantine, the Kite Pokémon. Mantine swims about the ocean, majestically, and may fly out of the water if it builds up enough speed.
In the manga
Tibo, Gold's Mantine, with his Trainer and several Remoraid in tow.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Gold catches a Mantine as he floats in the sea in Volume 12, which helps him in his attempt to defeat Lugia, powered by the Remoraid Gold received for flight transport.
Mantine is seen as one of the Pokémon swimming in the headquarters of Team Aqua.
Noland later gives Emerald one of his Mantine from the Battle Factory.
Mantine will not appear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team until a rescue mission involving it has been completed, using the following Wonder Mail code:
4 ? ? N 2 2 ... ? ? Q 6 J
H 3 ? ♂ 8 4 7 0 J N ? W
Objective: Escort Kirlia to Mantine on floor 3 of Tiny Woods.
They also have exactly the same base stats, except that Mantine is oriented towards the special stats, while Skarmory is more based in the physical stats.
Mantine is tied with Kyogre for having the highest Special Defense base stat out of all Water-type Pokémon. Mantine also has the highest Special Defense base stat out of all non-legendary Flying types.
Despite the fact that Mantine evolve from Mantyke in the presence of a Remoraid, Remoraid is not present on any of Mantine's sprites in the generation the evolution method was introduced nor in the newer generation. This may be due to fact that the Remoraid used for evolution doesn't disappear after Mantine evolves from Mantyke.
Origin
It is similar to a manta ray, with some kite-like aspects.
Name origin
Mantine may be a combination of manta and marine. It may also be a combination of manta and brine.
Mantain may be a combination of manta and Tyne (pronounced tain).