Cyndaquil is a small, bipedal Pokémon with bluish fur on top of its body and cream-colored fur on its underside. Its eyes are usually seen closed, and it has a long, thin snout. Its arms are short, but its legs are slightly more developed and have a single nail on each foot. On its back are four red circles that can erupt into flames. When the flames are burning, its back seems to be covered in spines. Cyndaquil is capable of defending itself using these flames, and the fire grows more powerful as it becomes angry or defensive. However, if it is tired, the flames are not able to burn properly. It is usually timid by nature and often curls into a ball when intimidated. Though rare in the wild, it can be found living on grasslands.
Ashcaught a Cyndaquil in Good 'Quil Hunting. During its early days on Ash's team, Cyndaquil would easily become tired out (e.g. waiting a while for the flames on its back to ignite so it could use Fire-type attacks). Eventually, Cyndaquil overcame its shortcomings. Following the end of his journey in Johto, Ash left Cyndaquil, along with the rest of his Johto team (save for Pikachu), at Professor Oak's lab when he set out for Hoenn. Later, Ash called Cyndaquil back into his party for the Sinnoh League in An Old Family Blend!. It evolved into Quilava after a battle with Team Rocket's mecha.
In An Egg Scramble!, Dawn defeated Lyra in a battle, winning an Egg. Shortly after, the Egg hatched into a Cyndaquil. It later evolved into a Quilava in DPS01.
When released from a Poké Ball, Cyndaquil will aim a Flamethrower diagonally towards the ground in one direction. It is one of the easiest Pokémon to avoid, however. It can also be knocked off the screen.
Trophy information
Cyndaquil frighten easily, so they're often found curled up in balls. When threatened, they flare the flames on their backs to drive off enemies. Cyndaquil was one of the three Pokémon that Trainers could choose from at the beginning of Pokémon Silver, Gold, and Crystal. No one knows if their eyes are open.
Cyndaquil no longer come out of Poké Balls and instead return only as a trophy.
Trophy information
"A Fire Mouse Pokémon. It's a timid creature that often curls up into a ball. When threatened, it flares up the flames on its back to scare off enemies. When it's angry, it can produce powerful flames, but when it's tired, it has trouble producing fire and suffers from incomplete combustion. When it levels up, it evolves into Quilava. Its squinty eyes are adorable."
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire: Hitting Cyndaquil will knock it back. After a few hits, Cyndaquil will be knocked into the Egg stand and the flame on its back will start heating the Egg. Hitting Cyndaquil one more time will cause the Egg to hatch and the player will have a chance to catch the newly hatched Pokémon.
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Cyndaquil protects itself by flaring up the flames on its back. The flames are vigorous if the Pokémon is angry. However, if it is tired, the flames sputter fitfully with incomplete combustion.
It flares flames from its back to protect itself. The fire burns vigorously if the Pokémon is angry. When it is tired, it sputters with incomplete combustion.
Cyndaquil protects itself by flaring up the flames on its back. The flames are vigorous if the Pokémon is angry. However, if it is tired, the flames sputter fitfully with incomplete combustion.
Cyndaquil, Charmander, and their respective evolutionary lines have exactly the same base stats in the same distribution.
Origin
Cyndaquil's appearance is based on the echidna, but it also has traits of shrews, anteaters, and tenrecs, such as its long snout, and having little to no tail. Its closed eyes may be a reference to baby honey badgers, as its final evolved form is based on one. When its fire is lit, the fire resembles the quills of the porcupine.
Name origin
Cyndaquil may be a combination of cinder (ashes) and quill (referring to needle-like hairs).
Hinoarashi may be a combination of 火 hi (fire) and ヤマアラシ (山荒) yama-arashi (porcupine). It can be taken to mean 火の嵐 hi no arashi (storm of fire).
For other sprites and images, please see Cyndaquil images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
