Misty's Staryu (Japanese: カスミのヒトデマン Kasumi's Hitodeman) was the one of the three original Pokémon acquired by Misty in the Kanto region. Its voice actor in both Japanese and English is 三木眞一郎 Shin'ichirō Miki.
Misty uses Staryu often as one of her main attacking Pokémon throughout most of the series. It doesn't seem to have much of a personality due to its extremely un-anthromorphic features, but Misty says she's able to recognize its emotions and feelings. It often shimmered when called into battle, and it's core glowed pink accompanied by a siren like 'Bing' when it was tired. Despite not having a gender, it's cry sounded like a male martial artist exclaiming 'Hiya!'
Staryu was first used to defend Mt. Moon against an attack by Team Rocket. Staryu was sent out against Meowth, who was trying to abduct a Clefairy.
Misty next used Staryu in her Gym battle against Ash. When Ash didn't recognice Staryu, he used his Pokedex on it, he later commented "Trust a girl to show off her jewelry!". despite this Staryu was able to beat Butterfree by tackling it into the water.
Staryu was also used for it's strong swimming abilities, helping Ash and co. escape the sunken St. Anne, and also later helped the team escape James' Gyarados along with Goldeen and Starmie. It also tried to help the gang get to the north pole along with Goldeen, Starmie and Squirtle, however it, along with it's fellow swimmers, tired out before they made it. It would again be called to help tow a raft to escape a crumbling island made up of Kabuto that were now reviving.
Misty used Staryu quite often in Kanto and during the Orange Islands saga. However, after she captured her Poliwag, she started to use it less often. By the end of the Johto saga, Misty hardly ever used Staryu, preferring to use her Corsola and her Politoed.
