Lapras (Pokémon)

Revision as of 16:50, 7 December 2010 by Netto-kun (talk | contribs) (→‎Trivia)
Gyarados #130: Gyarados
Pokémon
#132: Ditto Ditto
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Lapras (disambiguation).
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 Hydration
Hidden Ability
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

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

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 ひとや ポケモンを せなかに のせて うみを わたることが だいすき。ひとの ことばを りかいできる。
White
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 Pinball Saffron City
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
Rand'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

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
00Start Sing Normal Status 0000 05555% 15
00Start Growl Normal Status 0000 100100% 40
00Start Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25
044 Mist Ice Status 0000 —% 30
077 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000 100100% 10
1010 Ice Shard Ice Physical 04040 100100% 30
1414 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100100% 20
1818 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15
2222 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —% 5
2727 Perish Song Normal Status 0000 —% 5
3232 Ice Beam Ice Special 09595 100100% 10
3737 Brine Water Special 06565 100100% 10
4343 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —% 25
4949 Hydro Pump Water Special 120120 08080% 5
5555 Sheer Cold Ice Special 0000 —% 5
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Lapras
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Lapras
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09595 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 120120 070}}70% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 25
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM25 Thunder Electric Special 120120 070}}70% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM48 Canon Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM49 Echo Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM78 Smooth Over Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM79 Ice Breath Ice Special 04040 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM03 Surf Water Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM05 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM06 Dive Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Lapras
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Lapras
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Father   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
OmanyteOmastarKabutoKabutopsCorsolaRelicanth
CranidosRampardosShieldonBastiodonPurotogaAbagoura
AncientPower Rock Special 60 100% 5
LaprasMudkipMarshtompSwampertSnoverAbomasnow
Avalanche* Ice Physical 60 100% 10
SlowpokeSlowbroSlowkingTurtwigGrotleTorterra
PurotogaAbagoura
Curse Ghost Status —% 10
HorseaSeadraKingdraDratiniDragonairDragonite
KibagoOnondoOnonokus
Dragon Dance Dragon Status —% 20
HorseaSeadraKingdraKibagoOnondoOnonokus
Dragon Pulse Dragon Special 90 100% 10
Maggyo
Fissure Ground Physical —% 5
MudkipMarshtompSwampert
Foresight Normal Status —% 40
PsyduckGolduckSlowpokeSlowbroSlowkingLapras
MarillAzumarillDelibird
Future Sight* Psychic Special 100 100% 10
Nidoran♂NidorinoNidokingRhyhornRhydonRhyperior
Horn Drill Normal Physical —% 5
LickitungLickilickyCorsolaMilotic
Refresh Normal Status —% 20
SnorlaxWhismurLoudredExploud
Sleep Talk Normal Status —% 10
OmanyteOmastar
Tickle Normal Status 100% 20
MudkipMarshtompSwampertClamperlHuntailGorebyss
PiplupPrinplupEmpoleonBuizelFloatzel
Whirlpool Water Special 35 85% 15
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Lapras in Generation V
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Lapras in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Lapras
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Lapras
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Lapras can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Lapras cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Lapras
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Lapras
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Dream World-only moves

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Event   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Dream World Horn Drill Normal Physical —% 5
Dream World Icy Wind Ice Special 55 95% 15
  • A superscript level indicates that Lapras can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Lapras
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Lapras
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see event moves from other generations

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
 Pin131.png Pinani131.png 
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani131.png 
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
MDP E 131.png Body size: 2
Recruit rate: 6.7%
IQ group: B
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Ice  Poké Assist: Water PA.png
( 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 Assist.png
( Water )
Past
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
It spits bubbles to attack.
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
PPW131.png PokéPark Pad entry:
You met Lapras at the Cape in the Beach Zone. She'll carry you on her back to the Iceberg Zone. Her favorite Attraction, Empoleon's Snow Slide, is there!
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
None.png Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}}
PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Lapras
Does not evolve
Lapras
 Water  Ice 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 131.png Spr 1y 131.png Spr 1g 131.png Spr b g1 131.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 131.png Spr 2s 131.png Spr 2c 131.png Spr b 2g 131.png
Spr 2g 131 s.png Spr 2s 131 s.png Spr 2c 131 s.png Spr b 2g 131 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 131.png Spr 3e 131.png Spr 3f 131.png Spr b 3r 131.png
Spr 3r 131 s.png Spr 3e 131 s.png Spr 3f 131 s.png Spr b 3r 131 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 131.png Spr 4p 131.png Spr 4h 131.png Spr b 4d 131.png
Spr 4d 131 s.png Spr 4p 131 s.png Spr 4h 131 s.png Spr b 4d 131 s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 131.png Spr 5b2 131.png Spr b 5b 131.png
Spr 5b 131 s.png Spr 5b2 131 s.png Spr b 5b 131 s.png
Lapras For other sprites and images, please see Lapras images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

Lapras shown with teeth in its Generation I artwork.

Origin

This Pokémon is based on the fabled Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, also known as Nessie. 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


Gyarados #130: Gyarados
Pokémon
#132: Ditto Ditto
Project Pokédex logo.png 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.