Physiology
Much larger than their previous evolutions, Nidoking now have the ability to stand on their hind legs. The spines growing down their back have become extremely large, as well. They have large tails, and are muscled all over.
Gender differences
Nidoking is the male of the species. For the female equivalent, see Nidoqueen.
Special abilities
Nidoking have strong physical attacks, and with their strong tails and ability to poison the foe on contact, have exellent potential when owned by a trainer. They can also cause large tremors by slamming the ground.
Behavior
Nidoking are angered easily and can be very violent when angered. It can use its powerful tail to thrash and constrict the bones of its prey. Nidoking will often go on rampages for little or no apparent reason. It likes to destroy things with its powerful tail.
Habitat
Nidoking tend to live in grasslands, rough terrain and forests. Despite their ability to live in various habitats, Nidoking are rare Pokémon, especially in the wild.
Diet
Main article: Pokémon food
Gary Oak has a Nidoking that he may or may not have obtained as a Nidoran♂ or Nidorino.
Jessie and James are attacked by a pink Nidoking in In the Pink.
A Nidoking appeared under the ownership of Oscar in The Bicker the Better. His girlfriend, Andi, had a Nidoqueen.
A Nidoking appears in the Legend of Thunder opening, A New Oath, as Silver's Pokémon.
- The glitch Pokémon LM4 will evolve into a Nidoking at level 18; first it evolves into Clefairy, and then the Clefairy immediately evolves into Nidoking.
Origin
Name origin
Nidoking's name may be based on the word needle. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni, two, or 二度 nido, two times/two degrees, referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits. The second part of its name is simply king, referring to its male gender.
In other languages
- German: Nidoking
- French: Nidoking
- Korean: 니드킹 Nideuking
- Chinese (Taiwan and Hong Kong): 尼多王 (Ni Duo Wang): A portmanteau of 尼多, the common prefix of the names of this Pokémon evolutionary line, and 王, meaning king.