Swirlix are known for using the sticky, cotton candy-like threads which compose most of their bodies in battle as a way to slow down and trap their foes. Typically, amidst the danger of a match, their opponents will lack time to do anything about these threads, conceding the speed edge to their foes, unless the impediment becomes so severe that they are completely immobilized. Even if they try, most attempts to remove Swirlix thread succeed only in spreading the trap, for it sticks to fingers and claws as easily as it binds the legs, and renders what it touches just as useless.
There is one known, effective method to remove this thread without the aid of a pokemon healing machine, but without an extremely large and flexible tongue or neck, it is extremely difficult to use in combat. This escape is primarily the province of hostages, but is also used by trainers and teammates on their tied-up pokemon if they can not easily reach a pokemon center, for Swirlix thread ties up a victim as easily as rope does - except for one, often forgotten weakness.
Swirlix thread is edible, and its sugary taste has often been compared to candy. It is not particularly healthy – but neither is being held captive by Team Flare – and some despise the taste too much to try eating it even to save their lives, for although it is easily chewed it is extremely difficult to spit out. Yet some escapees and trainers have grown to love the taste, and Swirlix shed their threads frequently, so many of their trainers have sold the threads for extra money or devoured them as snacks. Today, Swirlix thread can be found in candy shops around the world and bought from vendors on hot summer days.
