The Snorkle: Neopia's Most Misunderstood Petpet?

Now, the Snorkle is not a particularly rare or expensive petpet, and a lot of people overlook the little pink critter when they’re making the very important decision of which companion to choose for their Neopet. I for one cannot for the life of me understand why; as far as I can see, there is no better choice than the humble Snorkle. However, it has come to my attention that there are a number of misconceptions flying around Neopia concerning the Snorkle, all of which are totally false and unfair judgements of these wonderful petpets’ character. In this article I will attempt to correct these dreadful mistruths and provide instead a number of reasons why your petpet will love you forever if you bring them home a Snorkle today. Read on, and be enlightened.

Misconception #1: The Snorkle’s only expression is surprise.

This is simply a false impression which people who do not spend enough time around Snorkles get. I am the proud owner of eight Snorkles, and each one of them has a unique personality and range of expressions. The only hint of truth in this accusation is that Snorkles are surprised very easily, and very often. As long as you keep them away from loud noises and don’t make any sudden movements they will remain in a content and calm state. Just keep them away from party poppers. They really don’t like party poppers.

Misconception #2: Snorkles are greedy.

This is one of the most common reasons why people are put off buying a Snorkle; after all, the first impression they get off their potential new petpet is this: “Why not adopt this cute baby piggy today? But beware, it eats a lot of food. What a pig!” An understandable reaction to this would be to imagine that your Snorkle would eat all your Neopet’s food, leaving her hungry, and in the process drain away all your money on its insatiable appetite and leave you broke! Again this is not entirely true. Yes, the Snorkle does have a large appetite, BUT it does not have a very discerning palette. Fluffy won’t touch her Tin of Sardines? Feed it to your Snorkle! Yes, the Snorkle’s greed is not a downside but a benefit to owning one. You’ll never feel guilty about chucking out your Gross Food again.

Misconception #3: Snorkles are dirty!

This is a myth that has always circulated, and has never been true. Snorkles may look like pigs, but they don’t live like them! They don’t ask for much, but your Snorkle will certainly not be happy if he’s kept outside in a muddy environment. They are in fact very clean and tidy petpets who dislike dirt and mess. Snorkles are at their happiest in a warm Neohome, and whilst they like to run around outside occasionally, they hate going out when it’s raining!

Misconception #4: Snorkles are only for girls: They’re pink!

Think again! Snorkles in fact come in a whole range of colours, from pretty pink and purple to not-so-pretty mutant and darigan. With 23 colours to choose from, you’re bound to find one which suits your Neopet down to the ground. Just be warned: In their original colouring they have placid personalities, but something in the Petpet Puddle seems to have a strange effect on the Snorkle, and you might find that your happy-go-lucky pal is a bit more mischievous when she’s Halloween!

Misconception #5: Snorkles are boring petpets.

Snorkles have been around for years, and with such a wide range of newer petpets available, why should a person choose the retro Snorkle over, say, a shiny new species, or a more pricey and valuable one, like the rare Candychan? It’s true that a Neopian and their pets’ choice has broadened over time, but because the Snorkle is one of the oldest, it is also one of the more famous, and is featured in all sorts of important Neopian features! This is what makes the Snorkle definitively not boring. For example, the Snorkle is featured in several popular Neopian games including Revel Roundup, Defender Trainer and Petpet Rescue, and along with the Tigermouse it is one of the faces of Petpet Battles! Now would the Neopets Team choose a “boring” petpet to star in all these great games? This author thinks not. If you choose a Snorkle, rest assured that you and your Neopet will have hours of fun playing with her! Like those in Revel Roundup, your new Snorkle will especially enjoy a game of hide and seek, but beware: They’re very good at it!

Misconception #5: Snorkles are uncool.

This is another misconception which puts people off buying a Snorkle for their Neopet and is yet again entirely unfounded. Again I ask, would the Neopets Team have such a wide variety of Snorkley goodness on the site if they were an uncool petpet? For the Snorkle fan, there are many items you can use to display your love of this charming little critter, be it in your gallery or your Neohome. There are Snorkle Lollypops, Snorkle Plushies, Snorkle Rugs, Lamps and Beds, there’s even a Snorkle Toaster so you can enjoy Snorkle-shaped toast for your breakfast! There’s something Snorkle related for every kind of Neopian; you’re an avid collector of Usuki items? Treat yourself to a Pink Snorkle Usuki Set! There’s even a Snorkle avatar for you to use on the Neoboards, if you can work out how to get it.* With such a vast choice of items for Snorkle fans, it seems only reasonable to jump to the clear conclusion that the Snorkle is actually one of the Neopets Team’s favourite petpets too? They’ve obviously gone to great lengths to promote the virtues of the Snorkle without overtly revealing their preference. Now why would anyone want to disagree with those guys and deny that the Snorkle is well and truly cool?

* Note that the author does not approve of the production and consumption of Snorkle Snout... But she does think the avatar is positively spiffy.

I hope that by reading this article you have been thoroughly convinced that the Snorkle is the greatest petpet available in Neopia, and that you must go out and buy at least one this very second. These wonderful creatures have so much to recommend them: They’re easy to take care of, very varied in appearance and personality, fun and entertaining and there is a whole ton of Snorkle-based merchandise making them officially cool. The misconceptions about the Snorkle are widespread, but all false, so do not be swayed by what you hear! Give your Neopet the best present it’ll ever receive; give it a Snorkle.