Poliwag (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0059MS.png #0059: Arcanine
Pokémon
#0061: Poliwhirl 0061MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwag (disambiguation).
Poliwag
Tadpole Pokémon
ニョロモ
Nyoromo
#0060
Poliwag



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Water Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Water Absorb or Damp Cacophony
Cacophony
Swift Swim
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
255 (43.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Water 1
Hatch time
20 cycles
Height
2'00" 0.6 m
Poliwag
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
27.3 lbs. 12.4 kg
Poliwag
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
77
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
60
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Slow
EV yield
Total: 1
Poliwag
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
1
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body07.png
Footprint
F0060.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Blue
Base friendship
70
External Links

Poliwag (Japanese: ニョロモ Nyoromo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock.

(Specifics may differ in past games. Refer to Game data→Evolution data for these details.)

Biology

Poliwag is an amphibian Pokémon resembling a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips that can also act as suction cups for rocks. Its skin is very thin, but flexible and difficult to puncture. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which is actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl is clearer following a meal and will have a white tinge if the Pokémon is affected by disease. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area; the equator is thought to have an effect on it.

Poliwag has newly developed legs that are poor at walking and no arms. It has a long, thin tail surrounded by a light-blue, semitransparent fin. Its tail makes it a powerful swimmer. It loves to waddle on land despite the dangers. However, it will quickly return back into the water should it see danger. It cannot walk on land well unless trained everyday.

Because of its ineptitude on land, Poliwag is more likely to be found swimming in small freshwater ponds and lakes. In the anime, Poliwag feeds on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.

Evolution

Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl, which evolves into either Poliwrath or Politoed.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

 
Unevolved
Poliwag
 Water 

 
First evolution
Poliwhirl
 Water 

 
Second evolution
Poliwrath
 Water  Fighting 

 
Second evolution
Politoed
 Water 

In the anime

Main series

 
Poliwag in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwag

Misty caught a Poliwag in The Stun Spore Detour, which eventually evolved in The Totodile Duel into a Poliwhirl and then into a Politoed during Outrageous Fortunes.

Other

In Gonna Rule The School, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Poliwag to Max. He used it in a battle against Tommy, who was training with a Magby. It helped defeat Team Rocket later on.

In Like It Or Lup It!, a Poliwag was part of a group also consisting of a Wooper and a Quagsire, and led by a Golduck.

Minor appearances

Poliwag debuted in Primeape Goes Bananas.

A Poliwag appeared in a fantasy in the banned episode EP035.

A Poliwag appeared in A Chansey Operation.

A Poliwag appeared as an image in The Ultimate Test.

A Poliwag appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.

In Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, multiple Poliwag were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Poliwag was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Pallet Party Panic, a Poliwag was at a party in Pallet Town.

In Pikachu Re-Volts, Cassidy and Butch controlled a Poliwag at Mandarin Island North.

A Poliwag appeared in Marina's fantasy in Bye Bye Psyduck.

In The Joy of Pokémon, a Trainer's Poliwag was treated by the Nurse Joy of an unnamed island.

In The Power of One, multiple Poliwag sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

Multiple wild Poliwag appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

In The Fire-ing Squad!, seven Poliwag competed in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix.

A Poliwag appeared in a fantasy in The Totodile Duel.

In Carrying On!, a sick Poliwag was in Way Away Island's Pokémon Center.

In Got Miltank?, a Poliwag lived at a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

In Octillery The Outcast and Dueling Heroes, a Trainer's Poliwag competed in the Whirl Cup.

Multiple Poliwag appeared in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

In The Legend of Thunder!, a Poliwag was at a Pokémon Center.

In A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!, Flint revealed that the reason he had fallen in love with Lola was the precision of her Poliwag's Hydro Pump against his Graveler, now a Golem. It reappeared in a fantasy in Grating Spaces!.

A Poliwag appeared in The Scheme Team.

A Coordinator's Poliwag appeared in The Saffron Con.

A Poliwag appeared in On Olden Pond as a resident of an old lake.

A Coordinator's Poliwag appeared in Harley Rides Again.

In Curbing the Crimson Tide!, Hiroshi's Poliwag battled a disguised Scizor known as "Red Lightning". It was defeated and had markings scribbled on its face afterwards.

In Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, the Marina Group used a Poliwag for their Marina Underwater Pokémon Show.

In Once More With Reeling!, a Coordinator's Poliwag competed in the Terracotta Contest.

In Not on MY Watch Ya Don't!, a Poliwag was hypnotized and kidnapped by Team Rocket.

In Up Close and Personable!, a Poliwag was living at the lake near the Pokémon Summer Academy.

A Poliwag appeared in Jessie's fantasy in One Big Happiny Family!.

A Poliwag appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

In Coming Full-Festival Circle!, multiple Poliwag listened to Nando as he played his music.

A Poliwag briefly appeared in League Unleashed!, under the ownership of a girl.

A Poliwag appeared in The Dream Continues!.

In a flashback in Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!, a Poliwag startled a young Serena, which resulted in her injuring her knee.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Adventures in Running Errands!.

In The Legend of the Ninja Hero!, a Poliwag was living in the Ninja Village.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A League of His Own!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Rocking Kalos Defenses!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, with one under the ownership of a Trainer and the other being wild.

A Poliwag appeared in The Guardian's Challenge!.

In Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!, a Poliwag was walking along an island where Ash, his classmates, and Professor Kukui were taking a break from fishing.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in I Choose You!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Alola, Kanto!, with one under the ownership of a Trainer, while the other was in a lake.

Two Poliwag appeared in Dewpider Ascending!, with one appearing at the Pokémon School.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Tough Guy Trials!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

Multiple Trainers' Poliwag appeared in The Power of Us.

In I Choose Paradise!, a Poliwag was at the Pokémon Paradise Resort.

In Securing the Future!, two Poliwag joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its normal form.

A Poliwag appeared in Keeping Your Eyes on the Ball!.

A Poliwag appeared in Pikachu's Exciting Adventure!.

Two Trainers' Poliwag appeared in League Offenders and Defenders!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Z-Move Showdown!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Exhibition Unmasked!.

In From Z to Shining Z!, a Trainer's Poliwag watched the battle between Ash's Pikachu and Tapu Koko. It reappeared in a flashback in Helping the Hometown Hero!.

Multiple Poliwag appeared in Enter Pikachu!.

Five Poliwag appeared in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!.

In Dreams Are Made of These!, Goh caught a Poliwag during a Pokémon Orienteering competition. It has since made further appearances in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

In Caring for a Mystery!, five Poliwag battled a wild Riolu after it attacked them.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A Festival Reunion!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Toughing It Out!.

Two Trainers' Poliwag appeared in Trade, Borrow, and Steal!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Getting More Than You Battled For!. Another Poliwag was swimming in a swamp at Cero Island.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Secrets of the Jungle.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Sobble Spies a Stealthy Strategy!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Memories of a Warming Kindness!.

In On Land, In the Sea, and to the Future!, a Trainer's Poliwag competed in the Kids Marine Athletic Race.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Take My Thief! Please!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Infinite Possibilities!. One of them evolved into a Poliwhirl.

A Poliwag appeared in Heroes Unite!, with another appearing in a flashback.

Five Poliwag appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

Four Poliwag appeared in The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in HZ039.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP110 Salveyo weed Ash's Pokédex An effective Stun Spore antidote can be made by boiling the leaves of the Salveyo weed. Salveyo weed is found on clear lake bottoms wherever Vileplume live. Poliwag are also found in the vicinity of this plant.
EP110 Poliwag Ash's Pokédex Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
JN120 Poliwag Chloe's Rotom Phone Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. A Water type. The swirl on its body is its internal organs seen through its skin. The swirl can look different, depending on where a Poliwag lives.

Pokémon Origins

 
Poliwag in Pokémon Origins

Two Poliwag appeared in File 3: Giovanni.

POKÉTOON

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Blossom's Dream.

A Poliwag appeared in Wait for Me, Magikarp!.

In the manga

Ash & Pikachu

In Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!, a Poliwag was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Poliwag

Misty is shown with a Poliwag in Clefairy Tale. It later evolved into a Poliwhirl.

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Poliwag appeared in How Do You Do, Pikachu?.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Two Poliwag appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pocket Monsters HGSS

A Poliwag appeared in PMHGSS01.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Poli
Main article: Polibo

In Bulbasaur, Come Home!, a Poliwag escaped from Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Danger: High Voltorb, a flashback showed Red's Poliwhirl, nicknamed Poli, as a Poliwag. He has since evolved into Poliwrath.

In Murkrow Row, Gold has a Poliwag, which was one of the many Pokémon raised in the house he lived in. He was lost when Team Rocket stole Gold's backpack and his Poké Ball was lost when it fell into the water. Gold eventually retrieved Poliwag at the Famous Fishing Zone from a wild Granbull that was stealing to draw attention so that it could get its jaw healed. He evolved into a Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore, and then into a Politoed utilizing a trade with his held King's Rock.

In Slugging It Out With Slugma, a Poliwag was at Earl's Pokémon Academy in Violet City.

In Scizor Defends, multiple Poliwag were living at the Pokémon Village. One of them reappeared in Charizard Transforms.

A Poliwag appeared in Malamar Traps.

A Poliwag appeared in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwag appeared in a flashback in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwag appeared in True Identity and the Totem Pokémon of Brooklet Hill.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Let's Fight For The Future!!.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

Shu caught a Poliwag in Catch the Poliwag!.

A Poliwag appeared in GDZ23.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Poliwag appeared in Demanding Tests at the Pokémon School!.

Ruby has a Poliwag, as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

Ruby has a Poliwag at his house, as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwag (TCG)

In the TFG

One Poliwag figure has been released.

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#060
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand.
Blue
Yellow The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Stadium The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.
Generation II Johto
#072
Gold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Silver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Crystal The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats.
Stadium 2 Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Generation III Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#060
Ruby Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Sapphire
Emerald It is possible to see this Pokémon's spiral innards right through its thin skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
FireRed Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
LeafGreen Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#072
Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
SoulSilver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White
Black 2 Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Mountain #033
Hoenn
#—
X Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
Y The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Omega Ruby Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
SM: #149
Alola
USUM: #182
Kanto
#060
Sun The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it's affected by some disease.
Moon It's still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day.
Ultra Sun Despite the danger, it wants to come up on land. So it does its best to waddle along, but when an enemy finds it, it rushes back to the water.
Ultra Moon The direction of the swirl on their stomachs differs depending on where they live. Poliwag aficionados can tell them apart at a glance.
Let's Go Pikachu The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
Isle of Armor #142
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
Sword For Poliwag, swimming is easier than walking. The swirl pattern on its belly is actually part of the Pokémon's innards showing through the skin.
Shield In rivers with fast-flowing water, this Pokémon will cling to a rock by using its thick lips, which act like a suction cup.
Brilliant Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#39
Blueberry
#—
Scarlet The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It appears more clearly after Poliwag eats.
Violet Its legs are newly grown, and it can't walk very well. It seems to prefer swimming through the water instead.


   
Poliwag in the Alola Pokédex Poliwag in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod)
Pallet Town, Viridian City, Route 22 (Super Rod)
Blue (Japan)
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod)
Route 22, Pallet Town, Viridian City (Super Rod)
Trade for Rattata on Route 5
Yellow
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod)
Routes 22 and 23, Viridian City (Super Rod)
Generation II
Gold Silver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing)
Routes 6, 35, and 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Crystal
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing)
Routes 6, 35, and 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Routes 22, 30, 31, and 44Night
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Fuchsia City, Berry Forest, Safari Zone (Good Rod)
Routes 6, 22, 23, and 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley (Good Rod and Super Rod)
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 225 (Good Rod)
Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing)
Platinum
Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing)
Routes 6, 35, 43, and 45, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Cliff Edge Gate (Good Rod and Super Rod)
Cerulean Cave (Old Rod and Good Rod)
Mt. Moon Square (Surfing and fishing)
Safari Zone (fishing in Meadow, default; Surfing in Marshland, default; Old Rod in Marshland - default, with 2 Waterside points, and with 3 Waterside points; Surfing in Rocky Beach, default; fishing and Surfing in Wetland, default)
Pal Park
Pond
Pokéwalker
Beautiful Beach, Blue Lake
Generation V
Black White
Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod)
Black 2 White 2
Routes 6, 19, 20, and 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod)
Dream World
Pleasant Forest
Generation VI
X Y
Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod)
Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter)
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Brooklet Hill (walking and Surfing)
Malie Garden, Poké Pelago*
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Brooklet Hill (walking and Surfing)
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Routes 22, 23 and 25, Cerulean Cave (Sea Skim)
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
TradeVersion 1.2.0+
Expansion Pass
Brawlers' Cave (walking and Surfing)
Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courageous Cavern (Max Raid Battle)
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Route 225 (Good Rod)
Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing)
Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex)
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
TradeVersion 2.0.1+
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero
Kitakami Road, Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge
Tera Raid Battles (1★)


In side games

Generation I
Snap
River
Pinball
Blue Field: Viridian City
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Channel
Secret Cove
Trozei!
Phobos Submarine, Endless Level 22, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Silent Chasm (B5F-B9F), Northwind Field (1F-4F), Waterfall Pond (B1F-B5F)
Ranger
Krokka Tunnel
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Waterfall Cave (B1F-B8F), Serenity River (B1F-B7F)
MD Sky
Waterfall Cave (B1F-B8F), Serenity River (B1F-B7F)
Rumble
Bright Beach (Normal Mode C)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Lake: Everspring Valley
Rumble U
Magical Lake: Let's Sing a Song
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Safari Jungle: Stage 1Sa
Rumble World
Gold Plateau: Purifying Pond (All Areas), Plasma Tundra: Misty Moor (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Charizard Sea2019, Castform Sea, Lugia Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Silent Chasm (4F-7F), Northwind Field (1F-5F), Murky Cave (1F-5F), Waterfall Pond (1F-5F), Purity Forest (23F-27F), Oddity Cave (3F-4F), Remains Island (3F-4F), Marvelous Sea (3F-4F), Fantasy Strait (3F-4F)
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Blau Salon: Stage 425


In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
GSC Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Growth Poliwag English United States 5 June 8 to 21, 2002
GSC Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Lovely Kiss Poliwag English United States 5 February 7 to 13, 2003
GSC Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Sweet Kiss Poliwag English United States 5 February 7 to 13, 2003
FRLG Egg Pokémon Present Poliwag Japanese Japan 5 March 21 to April 4, 2004
Wild Area News
Games Event Gigantamax Location Level Distribution period
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17 June 4 to 6, 2021
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60 July 1 to 10, 2022

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games Held items
Red Blue
  Berry (100%)
Yellow

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
40
100 - 147 190 - 284
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
Total:
300
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 40.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
3/4 ★★★
Power
1/2
Skill
2/3 ★★
Stamina
3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump
2/4 ★★☆☆
Total
11/18 ★★


Type effectiveness

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

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25
011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000 06060% 20
066 Pound Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
1212 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15
1818 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20
2424 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00——% 5
3030 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15
3636 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10
4242 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5
4848 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000 00——% 10
5454 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM001  TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
TM005  TM005 Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10
TM007  TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM011  TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20
TM012  TM012 Low Kick Fighting Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
TM018  TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM022  TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20
TM025  TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM028  TM028 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM032  TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20
TM034  TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM035  TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM047  TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM050  TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM055  TM055 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM066  TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15
TM070  TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM077  TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM085  TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM103  TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM110  TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10
TM120  TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM122  TM122 Encore Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 5
TM123  TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM128  TM128 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM130  TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM133  TM133 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM135  TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM142  TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5
TM143  TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM171  TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM174  TM174 Haze Ice Status 0000 00—}}—% 30
TM192  TM192 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20
TM193  TM193 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10
TM204  TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
TM205  TM205 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 5
TM208  TM208 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 085}}85% 15
TM209  TM209 Muddy Water Water Special 09090 085}}85% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Endeavor Normal Physical 100% 5
Mist Ice Status —% 30
Muddy Water Water Special 90 85% 10
Splash Normal Status —% 40
Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Poliwag
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Rollout Poliwag (Neo Discovery 62)
Poliwag (Expedition 125)
Tackle Poliwag (Legends Awakened 114)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
   
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
 
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.1%
Friend Area: Tadpole Pond
Phrases
51%-100% HP It's easier for me in the water!
26%-50% HP I only have half my HP left...
1%-25% HP No more, please... I'm nearly fainting... Help...
Level up Yippee! I leveled up! I'm so happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 6.4%
IQ group: F
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Raise the Expedition Rank to Gold
Connected to: Poliwrath, Tympole
Connection Orb Set: 12

Phrases
Normal I want to swim a lot and keep my skin moist! Poli!
Low HP (< 50%) Argh... It's getting rough. Poli...
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Water
Poké Assist:  
Water
Field move:  
(Soak ×1)
Loops: 4 Min. exp.: 20 Max. exp.: 30
Browser entry R-052
If Poliwag spots a Ranger, it becomes startled and dives underwater.
Pokémon Rumble
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
  Walking Speed: 1.97 seconds Base HP: 45
Base Attack: 67 Base Defense: 45 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Water
Attack Power: ★★★★

 

Pokémon Shuffle
 
Water
  Attack Power: 50 - 100   5

#591
 

Cheer
Increases the chance that the next match's skill is triggered.


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 120 Base Attack: 101 Base Defense: 82
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement:   25
Fast Attacks: Bubble, Mud Shot
Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Mud Bomb, Body Slam, Frustration , Return 

Evolution data

Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock. Poliwhirl cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen before the player obtains the National Pokédex, as its evolution will be interupted. Poliwhirl also cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Politoed is not present in those games.

 
Unevolved
Poliwag
 Water 
 
Level 25
 
First evolution
Poliwhirl
 Water 
 
Water Stone
 
Second evolution
Poliwrath
 Water  Fighting 
  +  
Trade
holding King's Rock
 
Second evolution
Politoed
 Water 

Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
       
       
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Front Back Front Back
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
  For other sprites and images, please see Poliwag images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

  • Poliwag is Satoshi Tajiri's favorite Pokémon.[1]
  • In its FireRed Pokédex entry, it is stated Poliwag has black skin. The Ruby and Sapphire Pokédex entry for Poliwhirl states that Poliwhirl's skin is covered in oily fluid—if the same applies to Poliwag, it might be a case similar to the common bilberry: the berry itself is black but covered in a wax-like coating that makes it look blue.
  • In The Official Pokémon Handbook, published by Scholastic, the back cover says "Did you know that the swirls on Poliwhirl's stomach changes direction when it evolves into Poliwag?" However, Poliwhirl evolves from, not into, Poliwag.
  • Generation V changed Poliwag's base Experience yield from 77 to 60, making it the only Pokémon whose base Experience yield is the same as its National Dex number.
  • In Pokémon Adventures, Poliwag holds the record as the Pokémon who takes the least amount of time to evolve twice, taking only one chapter. It shares this with Caterpie and Togepi.
  • Poliwag shares its species name with Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.
  • Prior to Generation VI, Poliwag and Ditto had the same cry.
  • A prototype design of Poliwag was shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website in 1997.

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the intestines of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin.[2] Poliwag's Pokémon Silver Pokédex entry saying that the direction of its belly spiral differs by area relative the equator may allude to the coriolis effect.

Name origin

Poliwag may be derived from polliwog (outdated term for tadpole), which is formed from Middle English words pol (head) and wiglen (to wiggle). It may also involve wag (to swing from side to side).

Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (onomatopoeia for wriggling) and 子供 kodomo (child).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese ニョロモ Nyoromo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 子供 kodomo
  French Ptitard From petit and têtard
  Spanish Poliwag Same as English name
  German Quapsel From Kaulquappe
  Italian Poliwag Same as English name
  Korean 발챙이 Balchengi From bal and 올챙이 olchaeng-i
  Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Wénxiāngkēdǒu From 蚊香 wénxiāng and 蝌蚪 kēdǒu
  Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Mānhēungfōdáu From 蚊香 mānhēung and 蝌蚪 fōdáu


Related articles

References

  1. Interview with Satoshi Tajiri on Game Center CX (Japanese TV) 2004
  2. TIME - The Ultimate Game Freak
  #0059: Arcanine
Pokémon
#0061: Poliwhirl  


  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.