Lapras (Pokémon)

Gyarados #130: Gyarados
Pokémon
#132: Ditto Ditto
Lapras
ラプラス Laplace
#131
131Lapras.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type
Water Ice
Category
Transport Pokémon
Abilities
Water Absorb or Shell Armor
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#131
Johto
#224
Hoenn
#286
Regional Browser numbers
Fiore
R-106
Oblivia
R-058
Height
8'02"
Imperial
2.5 m
Metric
Weight
485.0 lbs.
Imperial
220.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Blue
Catch rate
45 (5.9%)
Body style
Body03.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F131.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
50% male, 50% female
Breeding
Monster and
Water 1 groups
41 cycles
(10455 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
2
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
Base Exp.: 219 Battle Exp.: 2191*

Lapras (Japanese: ラプラス Laplace) is a dual-type Water/Ice Pokémon.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Biology

Physiology

Lapras is a large sea creature which resembles a plesiosaur. It has four flippers, however its front ones are notably larger than its hind flippers. It has a long neck, and large black eyes. Lapras has unusual curled ears that resemble Slowbro's and a short horn in the middle of its forehead. The majority of its body is blue, while its underside is a light cream color. Its most distinguishing feature is the heavy shell on its back, which is largely dotted with blunt knobs.

Gender differences

None

Special abilities

Lapras is most known for its fondness of moving people and Pokémon across bodies of water.

Lapras also possess the ability to sing, putting Pokémon and people to sleep. Some Lapras are able to develop Psychic abilities such as telepathy, such as the one belonging to Santa Claus or Satoshi's in Pokémon Zensho.

Lapras is also able to wield Template:Type2 attacks, and, on rare occasions, some are able to use the Template:Type2 move Dragon Pulse - possibly due to their likeness to the plesiosaur.

Behavior

Lapras are social Pokémon, and they swim through the sea in large pods. They keep track of their fellow pod members through use of high-pitched songs they constantly sing, much like whales. Unfortunately they are very docile and do not like to fight, and this has made them an easy target for hunters. They are currently very rare in the wild. Their songs have become very sorrowful in recent times as it has become harder and harder for these peaceful Pokémon to find others of their kind. They are highly intelligent, and have been said to be able to learn human speech.

Habitat

Lapras are native to the cold waters of glacial regions, but they migrate to tropical areas such as the Orange Archipelago to raise their young. They are extremely rare due to hunting, and are nearly extinct. They are said to still exist in secluded spots Kanto, [Johto]], the Sevii Islands and Sinnoh.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

File:Solidads Lapras.png
Lapras in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Lapras

In The Lost Lapras, Ash and co. saved a baby Lapras from a trio of thugs, and then again from Team Rocket. Ash captured this Lapras and mostly used it as transportation between the islands of the Orange Archipelago. Lapras also took part in Ash's gym battle with Danny from Navel Island to get his second Orange League Gym badge, the Sea Ruby Badge, in Navel Maneuvers. It was returned to its family in Viva Las Lapras. Ash's Lapras made a return appearance in Lapras of Luxury.

Other

Lapras first appeared in Holiday Hi-Jynx. This one helped Ash and co. reunite a Jynx with Santa Claus.

Pryce of Mahogany Town owns multiple Lapras in Nice Pryce Baby.

Solidad also owns a Lapras.

Minor appearances

In Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl, multiple Lapras appear when Crystal whistles.

In One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team, Angie used a Lapras in the second leg of the Pokémon Triathlon.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
Holiday Hi-Jynx Lapras Ash's Pokédex Lapras. This intellectual advanced Pokémon is able to understand human speech. With its mild temperament, Lapras prefers to carry humans on its back, rather than engage in Pokémon battles.

In the manga

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

The most notable role of Lapras in Pokémon Adventures was being one of the Pokémon of Pryce. In his youth, Pryce lost two of his favorite Lapras in an avalanche, just as the egg borne by them hatched. Unable to get over his loss, Pryce swore to save his Lapras and thus began researching into time travel, setting the events of the Johto saga in motion. Eventually, Pryce was able to capture Celebi and enter time, only to lose Celebi as the Poké Ball containing it was shattered, causing him to be unable to override time any further. However, the baby Lapras, Hewger, was able to enter the time in which Pryce's Lapras were separated, and the family enjoyed a happy reunion while Pryce was eventually lost in time.

Years prior, in the Yellow arc, Blue is seen capturing a wild Lapras and giving it to a kid in a flashback that dates to around the same time as Red's first fight with Giovanni.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Ash saves a Lapras from a swarm of Krabby tormenting it. Like in the anime, Ash used this Lapras as a mode of transportation through the Orange Islands saga. It is not known in this version if he releases it.

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry
Pokémon Adventures PS050 Extremely intelligent, able to understand human speech. A Pokémon that has been over-hunted almost to extinction. It can ferry people over water.

In the TCG

Main article: Lapras (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

  • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness: Lapras is the Pokémon that ferries Pokémon to the Hidden Land. When Wigglytuff explored the Brine Cave and found the strange marking on the wall there, Lapras asked Wigglytuff not to investigate it further to keep the Hidden Land a secret. When the player and partner had to get to the Hidden Land to save the world, Lapras responded to the presence of the Relic Fragment that matched the pattern on the wall, shooting a beam into the sea, summoning Lapras. Lapras ferries the player, the partner, and Grovyle to the Hidden Land, along the way telling the story of what happened when Wigglytuff and Chatot came to Brine Cave.

Later, after the player defeats Dialga at Temporal Tower, Lapras will be waiting at the beach and can ferry the player and the partner back to the Hidden Land again. There is no limit to how many times Lapras can do this.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red A Pokémon that has been overhunted almost to extinction. It can ferry people across the water.
Blue
Yellow A gentle soul that can read the minds of people. It can ferry people across the sea on its back.
Stadium Capable of understand the language of humans, it enjoys ferrying people on its back. It is on the verge of extinction.
Generation II
Gold They have gentle hearts. Because they rarely fight, many have been caught. Their number has dwindled.
Silver It ferries people across the sea on its back. It may sing an enchanting cry if it is in a good mood.
Crystal This gentle Pokémon loves to give people rides and provides a very comfortable way to get around.
Stadium 2 They have gentle hearts. Because they rarely fight, many have been caught. Their number has dwindled.
Generation III
Ruby People have driven Lapras almost to the point of extinction. In the evenings, this Pokémon is said to sing plaintively as it seeks what few others of its kind still remain.
Sapphire
Emerald
FireRed Its high intelligence enables it to understand human speech. It likes to ferry people on its back.
LeafGreen A Pokémon that has been overhunted almost to extinction. It can ferry people across the water.
Generation IV
Diamond It loves crossing the sea with people and Pokémon on its back. It understands human speech.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold They have gentle hearts. Because they rarely fight, many have been caught. Their number has dwindled.
SoulSilver It ferries people across the sea on its back. It may sing an enchanting cry if it is in a good mood.
Generation V
Black {{{blackdex}}}
White {{{whitedex}}}
Black 2 {{{black2dex}}}
White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Blue
One Silph Co.
Blue (Japan)
None Trade
Yellow
One Silph Co.
Generation II
Gold Silver
One per week Union Cave (Friday)
Crystal
One per week Union Cave (Friday)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Rare Silph Co. and Icefall Cave
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
One Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Rare Victory Road
Platinum
Rare Victory Road
HeartGold SoulSilver
Rare Union Cave (Friday) and Safari Zone
Pal Park
Sea
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Trade
Black 2 White 2
None Trade
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Snap Beach
Pokémon Channel Cobalt Coast
Pokémon Trozei! Secret Storage 14
Trozei Battle
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Far-off Sea (45F-50F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Bottomless Sea (B1-B49)
Pokémon Ranger Fall City
Pokémon Ranger:
Guardian Signs
Lapras Beach
Talga's House
Pokémon Rumble Rocky Cave

Lapras will not appear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team until a rescue mission involving it has been completed, using the following Wonder Mail code:

F ? J ? 6 9 0 ? 4 Q 6 C
C ! ? ? 8 ? 6 6 8 Q ? ♀
Objective: Rescue Lapras on floor 2 of Tiny Woods.

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Red* Blue* Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
130
190 - 237 370 - 464
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
95
90 - 161 175 - 317
60
58 - 123 112 - 240
Total:
535
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 95.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
3/4 ★★★
Skill
3/4 ★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
3/3 ★★★
Total
15/19 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ¼×
Dragon
Dark
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ¼×
Dragon
Dark
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ¼×
Dragon
Dark
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ¼×
Dragon
Dark
None
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | water | style="background:#3DCEF3" |  ice 

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By TM/HM

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By breeding

Template:Eggmoves Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Eggmoves/note

By tutoring

Template:Tutor Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4


|- style="background:#74ACF5" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available.
|} |}

Special moves

Shadow moves <span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 44+ Purified moves
Shadow Shed File:Box xd 131.png Hydro Pump Water
Shadow Sky Rain Dance Water
Shadow Storm Blizzard Ice
-- Heal Bell Normal

TCG-only moves

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
     
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
   
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
File:MDP RT 131.png Body size: 4
Recruit rate: 6.7%
Friend Area: Mystic Lake
Phrases
51%-100% HP The shell on my back is the ultimate in ride comfort!
26%-50% HP Uh-oh... My health is down by half already.
1%-25% HP I'm dropping... I can't build any strength at all...
Level up There, I got my level up! I wonder if my ride is more comfortable?
Partner phrases
51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%.
26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%.
1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%.
Level up There, I got my level up! I wonder if my ride is more comfortable?
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 2
Recruit rate: 6.7%
IQ group: B
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Ice  Poké Assist:  
( Water )
Field move: None
Loops: N/A Min. exp.: N/A Max. exp.: N/A
Browser entry  
If you can connect with Lapras, it may ferry you across the sea on its back.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Group: Poké Assist: Field move:
 Water   
( Water )
Past
 
( Normal )
None Past
 
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
  PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
  Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}}
PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
  HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

 
Does not evolve
Lapras
 Water  Ice 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
       
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
       
       
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
       
       
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
       
       
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
     
     
  For other sprites and images, please see Lapras images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

  • Lapras was originally going to be called "Ness," derived from the Loch Ness monster, but it was changed before Pokémon Red and Blue were released.
  • It was initially believed that Shellos was to be a pre-evolution of Lapras. This was eventually proven to be false.
  • Lapras can learn three of the four one-hit-knockout moves. The only one it cannot learn is Guillotine.
  • Lapras is one of the few Generation I non-legendary Pokémon that have no evolutionary relatives, along with Farfetch'd, Kangaskhan, Pinsir, Tauros, Aerodactyl, and Ditto.
  • Excluding all legendary Pokémon, Lapras has the highest base stat total of a non-evolved Pokémon (with a grand total of 535 stat points). However, Lapras used to come second, as Snorlax used to hold this honor - having 5 more stat points than Lapras - until Generation IV, when Munchlax was introduced.
  • Lapras was depicted with teeth in its Generation I official artwork and in Pokémon Adventures.
  • Lapras has the highest stat total of all non-legendary Template:Type2 Pokémon.
    • It also has the highest base HP of all Ice-types and is tied with Dewgong, Jynx and Glaceon for highest Special Defense of all non-legendary Ice-type Pokémon.


Origin

This Pokémon is based on the fabled Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. The creature and this Pokémon are said to resemble the marine reptile known as the plesiosaurus. However, Lapras does not have the plesiosaurus's long neck, whereas the body is very similar to the creature that is said to be in Loch Ness. Lapras's intelligence, singing and rarity can be comparable with some cetaceans. It is also possible that its long neck and head (as well as its whole body) take some inspiration from the mast heads and hulls of Viking ships.

Name origin

Lapras' English name is merely a casualty of translation error from its Japanese name, Rapurasu, which could have been intended to translate as Laplace. In the Japanese language, the sounds for "R" and the sounds for "L" are not separate as they are in English, both sounds sharing the same set of symbols. Therefore, translation of these symbols is up to the translator to decide if it should be an "L" or an "R" sound. Also, in Japanese, sounds involving the English use of the letter "C" would be formed using the symbols from the "S" category, again, leaving it up to the translator to decide how that symbol is to be translated into English. Therefore, both translations, Lapras and Laplace, are technically correct, though obviously, the original meaning is lost if the English spelling is skewed. Logically, it makes sense if we translate the name as Laplace, as this may be a reference to Pierre-Simon Laplace, a mathematician who wrote several books on the mathematical properties of the sea and tides, or also from the French word la place, referring to how passengers sit on its back like a seat to be ferried across bodies of water. Its Japanese name might also be a combination of references, as it could be derived from Lapis, a bright blue gem.

In other languages

Related articles

External links

Notes


  #130: Gyarados
Pokémon
#132: Ditto  
  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.