Biology
Physiology
Charmander is an orange reptilian creature resembling a tailed bipedal salamander with some dinosaur qualities, particularly like those of theropods. Charmander has four small fangs visible on its upper and lower jaws, a cream underside and an expansive cream coloration on the sole of its foot. Its most notable feature is the flame burning on the tip of its tail, which is there even at birth. It is said that if this flame goes out, the Pokémon dies, although this has never happened in the anime, manga, or video games.
Charmander has been described as cute in appearance; however, one may have to regard it with caution, as its slashing claws are sharp and strong, and thus potentially dangerous.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Charmander can breathe fire, which allows them to use a wide range of Fire-type attacks. However, the strength of these are very closely connected to the strength and health of the Charmander, since it draws on the life force which fuels the flame on its tail to fuel the flames of its attacks. With time, it can learn powerful Fire-type techniques like Flamethrower and Fire Blast. It can even learn to breathe the blue flames of Dragon Rage. It can also use the flame on its tail to attack by swinging it about, or wield its small, yet sharp claws to use Slash. However, these attacks are usually weaker than those from the flames Charmander breathes.
Behavior
Charmander is easily the most mild-mannered of its evolution line. Its health and emotions can be easily read by paying attention to the flame on the tip of its tail. For example, if the flame grows suddenly, the Charmander is probably angered, and perhaps even using a Rage attack. It is scarce in the wild. Most are domestic Pokémon, raised to be distributed as starters by Professor Oak. As such, they are regarded as well-behaved Pokémon. It is often regarded as the most difficult Pokémon to start with because it has a disadvantage against the first two Gym Leaders in Kanto (Brock and Misty).
There are some who choose it anyway under the impression that it is stronger than Bulbasaur or Squirtle. However, while a Charmander can certainly grow to be a very powerful Pokémon, its strength in battle is very closely connected to its condition and health. Therefore, like a real fire, it must be tended to regularly and not strained or neglected. Most Trainers should not have a problem with this, though impatient ones who expect it to be very strong right off the bat will have severe difficulty raising this Pokémon. A Trainer named Damian in Charmander - The Stray Pokémon abandoned his completely because of this. They are also stubbornly loyal. In that same episode, Charmander would not move from the rock, because Damian told it to wait. Ash had to carry it because it refused to move, even in the rain.
Habitat
Charmander is rarely found in the wild. Sometimes they can gather in extremely hot areas, such as active volcanoes. They can also thrive in craggy mountains or in rocky, heated crags and caves along the coast of the Sevii Islands. Their final evolution, Charizard, also inhabits the Charicific Valley or near mountain chains. However, they are found far more often in the ownership of Trainers. It is normally native to Kanto.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
Their diet is the usual omnivorous diet of a Pokémon. The few places where Charmander can be seen in the wild, they usually hunt and gather in small packs, and will call others over if any sort of food is found.
In the anime
Major appearances
In Charmander - The Stray Pokémon, Ash, Misty, and Brock came across a Charmander which had been abandoned by its Trainer, Damian, who only cared about strong Pokémon. At first, Charmander refused to leave the spot it was at, waiting for Damian to return. However, when a rainstorm picked up, Charmander grew ill and Ash took it to a Pokémon Center. Charmander realized that Damian was no good, and joined up with Ash. It has since evolved into Charmeleon, and then Charizard.
Ritchie owned a Charmander named Zippo, which debuted in A Friend In Deed. It later evolved into Charmeleon.
Other
In Journey to the Starting Line, Gilbert was intended to start his journey as a Pokémon Trainer, but the trio of Kanto Starter Pokémon were scared off when Ash's Tauros stampeded through Professor Oak's house. Professor Oak, Tracey, Delia and Gilbert split up in order to find the three missing Pokémon. The Charmander was the first one to be found.
A Charmander stars in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate! as the leader of Team Go-Getters.
Minor appearances
Charmander was mentioned in the first episode of the anime, Pokémon - I Choose You!, as one of the three starter Pokémon new Trainers in Pallet Town can choose from. Ash dreamed of owning one, although it was his last choice of a starter coming after Squirtle and Bulbasaur. However, when he arrived at Oak's lab, he found out it was too late, as another Trainer who started the same day had already taken it.
Multiple Charmander also appeared in Battle Aboard the St. Anne.
A Charmander was seen in a Pokémon Center in Hypno's Naptime.
A Charmander also appeared in Pokémon Fashion Flash.
In The Ultimate Test, a Charmander was one of the Pokémon owned by the Pokémon League entrance exam instructor.
Two Charmander appeared in The Breeding Center Secret. One was seen evolving on TV for a commercial about Cassidy's and Butch's breeding center, while the other one appeared in the said center.
A Charmander under the ownership of an unknown Trainer, appeared in Friends to the End, during the closing ceremonies of the Indigo League.
A Charmander appeared in A Better Pill to Swallow as a fantasized Pokémon.
A Charmander was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.
Another Charmander was seen with Professor Oak in A Six Pack Attack! along with a Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Another was seen in The Right Place and The Right Mime, along with another Bulbasaur and Squirtle.
A Charmander is set to appear in BW116.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| EP011
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Charmander
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Ash's Pokédex
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Charmander. A flame burns on the tip of its tail from birth. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out.
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| EP025
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Rage
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Ash's Pokédex
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Charmander's special attack, Rage. It gains more power the more it is attacked. It will continue to fight until its opponent falls.
|
|
In the manga
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
- Main article: Ash's Charizard
Ash's Charmander makes a few appearances in the manga The Electric Tale of Pikachu.
The capture of Ash's Charmander diverges considerably from the anime. In the manga, Damian seems to have abandoned his Charmander at the beginning of the chapter Pikachu's Excellent Adventure, but it turns out that he had just been injured and went to the hospital.
Ash is shown to own a Charmander despite this, his own Charmander first appears in You Gotta Have Friends. Ash's Charmander's capture is not shown in the manga, instead, when Charmander first appears from its Poké Ball, it is simply stated that "Ash has been busy since the last comic".
Ash's Charmander reappears as a Charizard in the chapter The Indigo Finals at the Indigo Plateau Conference. In this chapter, Charizard battles Charley, Ritchie's own Charizard.
In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga
- Main article: Peanut's Charmander
- Main article: Mandy (MPJ)
In Magical Pokémon Journey, the sickly Trainer Peanut owns an aggressive Charmander. Peanut's Charmander first appears in the chapter Charmander's Peanut.
Mandy is a female Charmander from the Magical Pokémon Journey manga.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
- Main article: Blue's Charizard
Charmander debuted in the first round of the Red, Green & Blue arc, A Glimpse of the Glow, as one of Blue's first Pokémon, received from his grandfather Professor Oak. It has since evolved into Charmeleon before facing Brock of Pewter City, and then to Charizard before the Silph Co. battles against Team Rocket. The major powerhouse of his team with its newly learned Blast Burn attack, its battle skills (able to defeat Red's Poliwhirl easily even before evolving) are complimented by its fast flight, for which it was traded to Red twice, during both the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc and the FireRed & LeafGreen arc. It is worth noting that, as Charmeleon, it was accidentally traded to Red many years earlier.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
- Main article: Green's Charizard
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga series, Red's rival, Green, chose Charmander as his starter Pokémon. Green's Charmander is mischievous and has a rivalry with Red's Clefairy.
Green's Charmander has evolved into Charizard. It seems to be able to skip the Charmeleon stage, as it was seen evolving directly into Charizard. Although it has devolved back to the Charmander stage, it currently seems to have permanently evolved back into Charizard.
In the Pokémon Zensho manga
- Main article: Satoshi's Charizard (Zensho)
In Pokémon Zensho, Satoshi chooses Charmander as his starter Pokémon, while Shigeru chooses a Squirtle.
In the TCGOther appearances
Charmander appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a trophy.
Trophy Information
"A Lizard Pokémon. It just downright likes hot stuff. The always-burning tail indicates its mood--waving gently when content and burning intensely when angry. If the tail were to go out, it would be the end of Charmander's life. Its tail is believed to emit steam when it rains. Charmander evolves into Charmeleon by leveling up."
Game data
NPC appearances
- In PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Charmander is one of Pikachu's best friends. After falling through the mysterious tunnel, he almost lands into a pool of molten lava only to be saved by the zone leader, Blaziken. He was then taken in as Blaziken's pupil and trained to become stronger. After he's been found, he journeys to the Meeting Place where he helps Piplup mend the balloon, and makes fireworks. He later accompanies Pikachu to the Sky Pavilion along with Piplup and Chikorita where he meets Mew. Once the Sky Prism has been restored, Charmander celebrates by firing off the fireworks he made.
Pokédex entries
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
|
| Generation I
|
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| Red
|
Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
|
The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.
|
| Stadium
|
Even the newborns have flaming tails. Unfamiliar with fire, babies are said to accidentally burn themselves.
|
|
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| Generation II
|
|
| Gold
|
The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
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| Silver
|
The flame on its tail indicates Charmander's life force. If it is healthy, the flame burns brightly.
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| Crystal
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If it's healthy, the flame on the tip of its tail will burn vigorously, even if it gets a bit wet.
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| Stadium 2
|
The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
|
|
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| Generation III
|
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| Ruby
|
The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely.
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| Sapphire
|
{{{sapphiredex}}}
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| Emerald
|
The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is happy, and blazes when it is enraged.
|
| FireRed
|
From the time it is born, a flame burns at the tip of its tail. Its life would end if the flame were to go out.
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| LeafGreen
|
It has a preference for hot things. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
|
|
|
| Generation IV
|
|
| Diamond
|
The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
|
| Pearl
|
{{{pearldex}}}
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| Platinum
|
{{{platinumdex}}}
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| HeartGold
|
The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
|
| SoulSilver
|
The flame on its tail indicates Charmander's life force. If it is healthy, the flame burns brightly.
|
|
|
| Generation V
|
|
| Black
|
The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
|
| White
|
{{{whitedex}}}
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| Black 2
|
The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
|
| White 2
|
{{{white2dex}}}
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Game locations
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
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In side games
In events
| Games
|
Event
|
Language
|
Location
|
Level
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Distribution period
|
|
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Pokémon Center Mystery Egg #3 Charmander
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Japanese
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Japan
|
5
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April 27 to May 12, 2002
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|
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Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Charmander
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English
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United States
|
5
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January 17 to 23, 2003
|
| RSEFRLG
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Gotta Catch 'Em All #4 Charmander
|
Japanese
|
Japan
|
10
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February 11 to 27, 2006
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2007 Birthday Charmander
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Japanese
|
Japan
|
40
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July 20, 2007 to July 19, 2008
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2008 Birthday Charmander
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Japanese
|
Japan
|
40
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July 20, 2008 to July 19, 2009
|
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2009 Birthday Charmander
|
Japanese
|
Japan
|
40
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July 20, 2009 to July 19, 2010
|
|
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2010 Birthday Charmander
|
Japanese
|
Japan
|
40
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July 20 to November 3, 2010
|
|
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Sticker Promotional Kanto Starter Egg Charmander
|
Japanese
|
Japan
|
1
|
September 1 to 30, 2012
|
|
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Korean Kanto Starter Egg Charmander
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Korean
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South Korea
|
1
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November 8 to 11, 2012
|
|
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Korean Kanto Starter Egg Charmander
|
Korean
|
Wi-Fi
|
1
|
February 14 to March 31, 2013
|
Pokémon Global Link promotions
Held items
Stats
Base stats
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
39
|
|
99 - 146
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188 - 282
|
52
|
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51 - 114
|
98 - 223
|
43
|
|
43 - 104
|
81 - 203
|
60
|
|
58 - 123
|
112 - 240
|
50
|
|
49 - 112
|
94 - 218
|
65
|
|
63 - 128
|
121 - 251
|
Total: 309
|
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 50.
|
Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Charmander
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Charmander
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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TCG-only moves
Side game data
Evolution
Sprites
Other sprites
|
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| FireRed/LeafGreen back sprites
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HeartGold/SoulSilver back sprites
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Trivia
- Niue released a one-dollar coin featuring Charmander as part of a commemorative promotion for the Pokémon franchise, with Charmander on one side and the nation's coat of arms on the other.
- Charmander is the first Fire-type Pokémon and the first single-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
- In the first generation, on its sprite and first artwork, Charmander's "back" is depicted as having a small line of spikes. The spikes were not shown in the sprites and artwork of later generations. Charmander also had these spikes in the Pokémon Adventures manga, where the spikes were larger and easier to see. The spikes were also seen on Green's Charmander from the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga.
- Charmander is the tallest Fire-type starter Pokémon.
- Charmander is the only Fire-type starter Pokémon in the Monster Egg Group.
- In the first generation, Charmander and its evolutionary line are capable of learning Leer. However, in later generations, this move is replaced by Scary Face.
- Its FireRed Pokédex entry states that its life would end if the flame on its tail would go out. However, in the console games, its flame effectively stops burning if Charmander (or its evolutions) is affected by freeze and does not burn in rain.
- Along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle, Charmander is the only starter Pokémon which is found in more than one regional Pokédex, being found in both Kanto's and Johto's.
- Charmander can learn the move Metal Claw by leveling up in Generation III, exclusively in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, but can only learn it by breeding in Generation IV and Generation V.
- Charmander has the longest name of all unevolved starter Pokémon.
Origin
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:
Charmander is predominantly reptilian in origin, and may have been partially inspired by the mythical Salamander (as opposed to the real-world amphibian of the same name which inspired its mythical counterpart). This Salamander was a fire-spirit capable of surviving in extreme heat or flames, and it is sometimes creatively rendered or interpreted to be in the shape of a lizard.
Physically, Charmander has a slender body, a short nose, and a long tail, as well as other similar lizard-like characteristics. The fact that it does not undergo a metamorphosis stage (beyond its own evolutionary pattern) but instead grows into a larger version of itself as it matures, among other things, indicate that Charmander has more in common with reptiles (like lizards) than with amphibians (like real-world salamanders).
Charmander's Hidden Ability, Solar Power, may have drawn inspiration from the Spotted Salamander. In the July and August of 2010, this species was identified as the first known photosynthetic vertebrate animal, capable of converting energy from sunlight.
Name origin
Charmander is a portmanteau of the words char (to burn) and salamander.
Hitokage comes from 火蜥蜴 (salamander): 火 hi (fire) and 蜥蜴 tokage (lizard).
In other languagesRelated articlesExternal linksNotes
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Lucky Egg (100%)
For other sprites and images, please see Charmander images on Bulbagarden Archives.
