Ekans (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0022MS.png #0022: Fearow
Pokémon
#0024: Arbok 0024MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Ekans (disambiguation).
Ekans
Snake Pokémon
アーボ
Arbo
#0023
Ekans



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Poison Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Intimidate or Shed Skin Cacophony
Cacophony
Unnerve
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
255 (43.9%)
Breeding
Egg Groups
Field and Dragon
Hatch time
20 cycles
Height
6'07" 2.0 m
Ekans
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
15.2 lbs. 6.9 kg
Ekans
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
62
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
58
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Fast
EV yield
Total: 1
Ekans
0
HP
1
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
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body02.png
Footprint
F0023.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Purple
Base friendship
70
External Links

Ekans (Japanese: アーボ Arbo) is a Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Arbok starting at level 22.

Biology

Ekans is a purple, serpentine Pokémon. Its eyes, underbelly, the thick stripe around its neck, and the rattle are yellow. Ekans have three pairs of black lines encircling their body, and another line connects to each slit-pupil eye and curves toward its nose. Its large mouth has a round, pink tongue and no visible teeth. While painful, a newborn Ekans's bite is not venomous. This Pokémon grows longer with age.

Ekans live in grassy savannas and plains, moving stealthily through the grass. It can also be found in forests and desolate wastelands, where it preys on Eggs from Pidgey and Spearow nests but will strike other prey from behind. By flicking its tongue out, it can detect danger and the scent of prey. Its jaw can detach to swallow large prey, but such a meal can make Ekans too heavy to move or become stuck and cause them to faint. It wraps itself around tree branches at night to rest. If not in a tree, it will coil itself up—a position in which it can defend itself from all directions. In the second movie, it is revealed to possess some swimming abilities. As shown in Pokémon Sleep, Ekans are known to sleep with their bodies all coiled up. It is believed that Ekans do this to terrify foes, no matter which direction the foe is.

Before Generation II, Ekans and its evolved form, Arbok, were the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Glare.

Evolution

Ekans evolves into Arbok.

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

0023Ekans.png
Unevolved
Ekans
 Poison 

0024Arbok.png
First Evolution
Arbok
 Poison 

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#023
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) Moves silently and stealthily. Eats the eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole.
Blue
Yellow The older it gets, the longer it grows. At night, it wraps its long body around tree branches to rest.
Stadium Slithers silently through grass, searching for its favorite food--Pidgey and Spearow eggs.
Generation II Johto
#050
Gold It can freely detach its jaw to swallow large prey whole. It can become too heavy to move, however.
Silver It always hides in grass. When first born, it has no poison, so its bite is painful, but harmless.
Crystal It flutters the tip of its tongue to seek out the scent of prey, then swallows the prey whole.
Stadium 2 It can freely detach its jaw to swallow large prey whole. It can become too heavy to move, however. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted)
It always hides in grass. When first born, it has no poison, so its bite is painful, but harmless. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
Generation III Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#023
Ruby Ekans curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. Assuming this position allows it to quickly respond to a threat from any direction with a glare from its upraised head.
Sapphire
Emerald An Ekans curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. This position allows it to quickly respond to an enemy from any direction with a threat from its upraised head.
FireRed A very common sight in grassland, etc. It flicks its tongue in and out to sense danger in its surroundings.
LeafGreen Moving silently and stealthily, it eats the eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#050
Diamond It sneaks through grass without making a sound and strikes unsuspecting prey from behind.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold It can freely detach its jaw to swallow large prey whole. It can become too heavy to move, however.
SoulSilver It always hides in grass. When first born, it has no poison, so its bite is painful, but harmless.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black It sneaks through grass without making a sound and strikes unsuspecting prey from behind.
White
Black 2 It sneaks through grass without making a sound and strikes unsuspecting prey from behind.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Mountain #037
Hoenn
#—
X The older it gets, the longer it grows. At night, it wraps its long body around tree branches to rest.
Y Moving silently and stealthily, it eats the eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole.
Omega Ruby Ekans curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. Assuming this position allows it to quickly respond to a threat from any direction with a glare from its upraised head.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
 US  UM : #061
Kanto
#023
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sun and Moon.
Ultra Sun By dislocating its jaw, it can swallow prey larger than itself. After a meal, it curls up and rests.
Ultra Moon The eggs of bird Pokémon are its favorite food. It swallows eggs whole, so sometimes an egg gets stuck, and Ekans faints.
Let's Go Pikachu The older it gets, the longer it grows. At night, it wraps its long body around tree branches to rest.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
#—
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword, Shield, and Legends: Arceus.
Brilliant Diamond It sneaks through grass without making a sound and strikes unsuspecting prey from behind.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#18
Blueberry
#—
Scarlet It can freely detach its jaw to swallow large prey whole. It can become too heavy to move, however.
Violet A very common sight in grasslands and such. It flicks its tongue in and out to sense danger in its surroundings.


Pokédex Image Ekans USUM.png Pokédex Image Ekans SV Kitakami.png
Ekans in the Alola PokédexUSUM Ekans in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I
Red
Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23
Blue
Trade
Blue (Japan)
Trade
Yellow
Trade
Generation II
Gold
Goldenrod Game Corner
Silver
Routes 3, 4, 32, and 33
Crystal
Routes 3, 4, 32, 33, and 42MorningDay
Routes 26, 27, 32, 33, and 42, Azalea Town (Headbutt trees)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade, Event
Emerald
Trade, Event
FireRed
Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23
LeafGreen
Trade, Event
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 212 (FireRed)
Platinum
Route 212 (FireRed)
HeartGold
Goldenrod Game Corner
Safari ZoneMorningDay (tall grass in Marshland, default)
SoulSilver
Routes 3, 4, 32, and 33
Safari ZoneMorningDay (tall grass in Marshland, default)
Pal Park
Forest
Generation V
Black White
Poké Transfer
Black 2 White 2
Poké Transfer
Dream World
Dream Park
Generation VI
X Y
Route 14 (Horde Encounter)
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Trade
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Route 2
Let's Go Pikachu
Trade
Let's Go Eevee
Routes 3 and 4
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Unobtainable
Brilliant Diamond
Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Sunlit Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex)
Shining Pearl
Trade
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
TradeVersion 2.0.1+
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero
Kitakami Road, Apple Hills, Loyalty Plaza, Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge, Oni Mountain, Wistful Fields
Tera Raid Battles (1★, 3★)


In side games

Generation I
Pinball
Red Field: Pewter City, Vermilion City Seaside, Rock Mountain, Lavender Town, Indigo Plateau
Blue Field: Mt. Moon, Saffron City
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Trozei!
Huge Storage 4, Endless Level 51, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Western Cave (B3F-B5F)
Ranger
Olive Jungle
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
MD Sky
Shimmer Desert (1F-9F)
Rumble
Rocky Cave (Normal Mode C)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Cave: Rugged Flats
Conquest
Cragspur, Viperia, Valora, Dragnor
Rumble U
Chill Battle: The Forest of Memories
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Pitch-Black Cavern: Stage 1
Rumble World
Black Realm: Obsidian Shrine (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Charizard Sea2019, Rowlet Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Wish Cave (4F-7F, 97F-98F)
Fainted Pokémon: Stormy Sea, Silver Trench, Fiery Field, Western Cave, Darknight Relic
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Prasino Woods: Stage 556
Masters EX
Egg events (Ghost- and Poison-Type Egg Event, Grass-, Ghost-, and Poison-Type Egg Event): Scottie/Bettie & EkansEgg


In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
FRLG Pokémon Trade and Battle Day Ekans English United States 14 September 25, 2004
RSEFRLG Gather More Pokémon! Third Campaign Ekans Japanese Japan 10 January 14 to 29, 2006

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 Berry (100%)
Yellow

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
35
95 - 142 180 - 274
60
58 - 123 112 - 240
44
44 - 105 83 - 205
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
54
53 - 116 101 - 227
55
54 - 117 103 - 229
Total:
288
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
3/5 ★★★☆☆
Power
3/4 ★★★
Skill
3/3 ★★★
Stamina
2/3 ★★
Jump
2/3 ★★
Total
13/18 ★★


Type effectiveness

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

Learnset

Ekans is available in Scarlet and Violet Version 2.0.1+.

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Wrap Normal Physical 01515 09090% 20
011 Leer Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
044 Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35
099 Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25
1212 Glare Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
1717 Screech Normal Status 0000 08585% 40
2020 Acid Poison Special 04040 100100% 30
2525 Stockpile Normal Status 0000 —% 20
2525 Swallow Normal Status 0000 —% 10
2525 Spit Up Normal Special 0000 100100% 10
2828 Acid Spray Poison Special 04040 100100% 20
3333 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100100% 10
3636 Gastro Acid Poison Status 0000 100100% 10
3838 Belch Poison Special 120120 09090% 10
4141 Haze Ice Status 0000 —% 30
4444 Coil Poison Status 0000 —% 20
4949 Gunk Shot Poison Physical 120120 08080% 5
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ekans
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ekans
  • 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 
TM001Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
TM005Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM005 Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10
TM006Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 10
TM007Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM008Bag TM Fire SV Sprite.png TM008 Fire Fang Fire Physical 06565 095}}95% 15
TM013Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM013 Acid Spray Poison Special 04040 100}}100% 20
TM018Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM020Bag TM Grass SV Sprite.png TM020 Trailblaze Grass Physical 05050 100}}100% 20
TM025Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM026Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM026 Poison Tail Poison Physical 05050 100}}100% 25
TM030Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM030 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM035Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM036Bag TM Rock SV Sprite.png TM036 Rock Tomb Rock Physical 06060 095}}95% 15
TM045Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM045 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10
TM047Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM049Bag TM Fire SV Sprite.png TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM050Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM055Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM055 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM063Bag TM Psychic SV Sprite.png TM063 Psychic Fangs Psychic Physical 08585 100}}100% 10
TM070Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM071Bag TM Grass SV Sprite.png TM071 Seed Bomb Grass Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM083Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM083 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20
TM085Bag TM Psychic SV Sprite.png TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM086Bag TM Rock SV Sprite.png TM086 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10
TM091Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM091 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM094Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM094 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM095Bag TM Bug SV Sprite.png TM095 Leech Life Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM102Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM102 Gunk Shot Poison Physical 120120 080}}80% 5
TM103Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM108Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM108 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM111Bag TM Grass SV Sprite.png TM111 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10
TM148Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM148 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM149Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM149 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
TM171Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM174Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM174 Haze Ice Status 0000 00—}}—% 30
TM175Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM175 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
TM177Bag TM Ghost SV Sprite.png TM177 Spite Ghost Status 0000 100}}100% 10
TM181Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM181 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 100}}100% 20
TM199Bag TM Dark SV Sprite.png TM199 Lash Out Dark Physical 07575 100}}100% 5
TM200Bag TM Dragon SV Sprite.png TM200 Scale Shot Dragon Physical 02525 090}}90% 20
TM204Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
TM214Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM214 Sludge Wave Poison Special 09595 100}}100% 10
TM219Bag TM Bug SV Sprite.png TM219 Skitter Smack Bug Physical 07070 090}}90% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ekans
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Ekans
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IX
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
SeviperSalanditShroodleGrafaiai
Poison Fang Poison Physical 50 100% 15
WooperClodsireSeviperSkrelpDragalgeGoodra
Poison Tail Poison Physical 50 100% 25
CharmanderCharmeleonCharizardRhyhornRhydonRhyperiorTaurosTaurosTaurosTaurosGyaradosFlareonSnubbullGranbullUrsaringUrsalunaDonphanPoochyenaMightyenaBagonShelgonSalamenceShinxLuxioLuxraySandileKrokorokKrookodileScraggyScraftyZoruaAxewFraxureHaxorusDeinoZweilousHydreigonLittenTorracatIncineroarYungoosGumshoosRockruffLycanrocLycanrocLycanrocPassimianJangmo-oHakamo-oKommo-oSkeledirgeMaschiffMabosstiff
Scary Face Normal Status 100% 10
VulpixVulpixNinetalesNinetalesZoruaZoroark*
Spite Ghost Status 100% 10
DiglettDiglettDugtrioDugtrioSentretFurretPoochyenaMightyenaSeedotNuzleafShiftrySlakingStunkySkuntankSamurottEspurrMeowsticLycanrocLycanrocKomalaSobbleDrizzileInteleon
Sucker Punch Dark Physical 70 100% 5
PersianPersianZangooseDelphoxShroodleGrafaiai
Switcheroo Dark Status 100% 10
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ekans
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ekans
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ekans
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
Pin023.png Pinani023.png
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
Trozeiani023.png
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 12.4%
Friend Area: Wild Plains
Phrases
51%-100% HP The poison in my fangs is wicked!
26%-50% HP My HP's gone down to half.
1%-25% HP Help... I'm running out of poison...
Level up Yesss! I leveled up! I'll do my best!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 023.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0.5%
IQ group: C
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
MDP 3DS 023.png

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Rescue
Connected to: Gengar
Connection Orb Set: 3

Phrases
Normal I'm good at swallowing things whole! Do you want me to demonstrate?
Low HP (< 50%) Argh… This is…tough…
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Poison
Poké Assist: Poison PA.png
Poison
Field move: None
Loops: 5 Min. exp.: 28 Max. exp.: 42
Browser entry R-151
If it spots a Capture Disc, Ekans will slither straight toward it.
Pokémon Rumble
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
Rush023Body.png Walking Speed: 2.33 seconds Base HP: 43
Base Attack: 67 Base Defense: 48 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Conquest
PCP023.png HP: Move: Poison Sting
Attack: ★★ Ability 1: Intimidate
Ability 2: Shed Skin
Ability 3: Frighten
Defense: ★★
Speed: ★★
Evolves into Arbok when its Attack is 59 or higher
Range: 3 Perfect Links: Dōsan and Yazaemon
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Poison
Attack Power: ★★★★

BT023.png

Pokémon Shuffle
None Shuffle.png
Poison
None Shuffle.png Attack Power: 40 - 90 Raise Max Level.png 5

#693
Shuffle023.png

Constrict
Delays your opponent's disruptions even more.


Pokémon GO
GO023.png Base HP: 111 Base Attack: 110 Base Defense: 97
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: Ekans Candy 50
Fast Attacks: Poison Sting, Acid
Charged Attacks: Wrap, Poison Fang*, Sludge Bomb, Gunk Shot, FrustrationAs Shadow Pokémon, ReturnAs Purified Pokémon
Pokémon Sleep
Sleep Menu 0023.png Sleep type: Dozing Pokémon type: Poison Points to befriend: 5
Specialty: Berries Berry:
Sleep Chesto Berry.pngChesto Berry ×2
Primary ingredient:
Sleep Bean Sausage.pngBean Sausage ×1
Possible ingredients:
Sleep Bean Sausage.pngBean Sausage Sleep Fancy Egg.pngFancy Egg Sleep Fiery Herb.pngFiery Herb
Main skill: Charge Energy S Base carry limit: 10
Restores 12 Energy to the user.
Evolution requirements:
Sleep Ekans Candy.pngEkans Candy ×40, Lv. 17
It's been observed sleeping with its body all coiled. This is thought to be a way for Ekans to quickly turn its head to intimidate enemies, no matter which direction they attack from.
Sleep Style 0023-1.png Sleep Style 0023-2.png Sleep Style 0023-3.png Sleep Style 0023-4.png
Coiled Sleep Springy Sleep Uncoiled Sleep Atop-Belly Sleep
★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★

Evolution data

0023Ekans.png
Unevolved
Ekans
 Poison 
Rare Candy
Level 22
0024Arbok.png
First Evolution
Arbok
 Poison 


Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
Spr 1g 023.png Spr b g1 023.png Spr 1b 023.png Spr b g1 023.png Spr 1y 023.png Spr b g1 023.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 023.png Spr b 2g 023.png Spr 2s 023.png Spr b 2s 023.png Spr 2c 023.png Spr b 2c 023.png
Spr 2g 023 s.png Spr b 2g 023 s.png Spr 2s 023 s.png Spr b 2s 023 s.png Spr 2c 023 s.png Spr b 2c 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 023.png Spr b 3r 023.png Spr 3e 023.png Spr b 3e 023.png Spr 3f 023.png Spr b 3f 023.png
Spr 3r 023 s.png Spr b 3r 023 s.png Spr 3e 023 s.png Spr b 3e 023 s.png Spr 3f 023 s.png Spr b 3f 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Spr 4d 023.png Spr b 4d 023.png Spr 4p 023.png Spr b 4p 023.png Spr 4h 023.png Spr b 4h 023.png
Spr 4d 023 s.png Spr b 4d 023 s.png Spr 4p 023 s.png Spr b 4p 023 s.png Spr 4h 023 s.png Spr b 4h 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Spr 5b 023.png Spr b 5b 023.png Spr 5b2 023.png Spr b 5b2 023.png
Spr 5b 023 s.png Spr b 5b 023 s.png Spr 5b2 023 s.png Spr b 5b2 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Spr 6x 023.png
Spr b 6x 023.png
Spr 6o 023.png
Spr b 6o 023.png
Spr 6x 023 s.png
Spr b 6x 023 s.png
Spr 6o 023 s.png
Spr b 6o 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Spr 7s 023.png
Spr b 7s 023.png
Spr 7s 023.png
Spr b 7s 023.png
Spr 7s 023 s.png
Spr b 7s 023 s.png
Spr 7s 023 s.png
Spr b 7s 023 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Spr 7p 023.png
Spr 7p 023 s.png
Cross-Generation
HOME
HOME0023.png HOME0023 s.png
023MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Ekans images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


In animation

Main series

Major appearances

Jessie's Ekans

Jessie received an Ekans as a chūgen gift (a birthday gift in the dub) prior to the start of the series. It debuted in Pokémon Emergency!, which also marked the species' debut. It was extremely loyal to her and eventually evolved into an Arbok in Dig Those Diglett! just to make her happy.

Team Meanies

Ekans was part of Team Meanies in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!. Gengar commanded the Poisonous Snake Pokémon to eat all of the Berries Team Go-Getters had collected. At one point, Ekans was incorrectly referred to as Arbok by Gengar. While this was an intentional error that Ekans rebuked in the original version (due to the similarities between the Japanese names), this came across as a general mistake in the dub and was corrected in reruns of the episode.

Other

In A Poached Ego!, multiple Ekans were captured by Rico. Jessie released her Arbok along with James's Weezing so they could protect these Ekans and a group of captured Koffing.

In Turning Heads and Training Hard!, a Team Skull Grunt's Ekans was quickly defeated by Ilima and his Eevee. In Battle Royal 151!, it competed in the Manalo Conference, only to be defeated by Ilima's Eevee again.

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

Minor appearances

A Trainer's Ekans appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back and Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.

In Pikachu's Vacation, an Ekans was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

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

An Ekans appeared in the Japanese credits of Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

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

In Different Strokes for Different Blokes, an Ekans was a resident of Bewilder Forest.

An Ekans appeared in a fantasy in A Dancing Debut!.

In The Power of Us, Ash caught an Ekans in a special blue Poké Ball for the Pokémon Catch Race.

In a flashback in Enter Pikachu!, an Ekans attacked Pichu, only to be scared off when Pichu retaliated.

An Ekans appeared in Trade, Borrow, and Steal!.

A Trainer's Ekans appeared in Crowning the Chow Crusher!.

A Trainer's Ekans got stuck in Gulpin's giant ball in A Rollicking Roll….

Pokémon Origins

In File 1: Red, an Ekans was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

An Ekans appeared in File 3: Giovanni.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Minor appearances

Ekans debuted in Go for the Golbat, under the ownership of Koga. It appeared on his arm.

An Ekans appeared in a flashback in Growing Out of Gengar, where it was driven away from its home after the Power Plant had been abandoned.

Harry of the Team Rocket Elite Trio has an Ekans, which first appeared in The Coming of Slowpoke (Eventually).

A Team Rocket Grunt in Johto owns an Ekans, as seen in Sneasel Sneak Attack.

An Ekans was one of the Pokémon pitted against Gold when he offered to help out at the Day Care near Goldenrod City in Quilava Quandary.

An Ekans appeared in The Final Battle IV, where it was one of the Pokémon that helped Emerald with his disabilities.

An Ekans appeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Two as one of the Pokémon that Solana captured with her Capture Styler. It reappeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Four and was released in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Five.

Team Skull Grunts were seen with an Ekans in Flash and Cosmog's Secret.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

An Ekans appeared in Catch That Pokémon Thief!!.

An Ekans appeared in Marill's Special Training to Surpass Pikachu!!.

An Ekans appeared in To the Dragon's Den!!.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Jessie's Ekans

Jessie's Arbok first appeared as an Ekans in Pikachu's Excellent Adventure.

Magical Pokémon Journey

Main article: Ekans Brothers

A pair of Ekans known as the Ekans Brothers are part of the supporting cast in Magical Pokémon Journey. Led by Arbok, they are originally antagonists, but later befriend the main characters when Arbok gets a crush on Wigglytuff.

Pokémon Zensho

An Ekans appeared in a fantasy in PZ01.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

An Ekans appeared in GDZ21.

An Ekans appeared in GDZ23.

An Ekans appeared in GDZ27.

An Ekans appeared in GDZ34.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

An Ekans appeared in The New Pokémon Is Hatched!!.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

An Ekans appeared in JBA4, under the ownership of a Team Rocket Grunt.

In the TCG

Main article: Ekans (TCG)

In the TFG

One Ekans figure has been released.

Trivia

Ken Sugimori artwork of Ekans from Pokémon Red and Blue
  • In the Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Ekans was originally known as "Arbo", its romanized Japanese name.
  • In early official art of Ekans, all of the bands on its body were colored yellow instead of just the one on its "neck". This was changed in later art.
  • An Ekans was originally going to be featured in Pokémon Snap, as shown in an early test shot of an environment that was never featured in the final product. This is also true of its evolution, Arbok.
  • Ekans is one of fourteen Pokémon that one can collect foreign Pokédex entries for in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
  • Ekans has never been scanned with a Pokédex in the animated series, despite debuting in the second episode of the original series. Thusly, it is the Pokémon with the most episodes aired after its debut without it getting a Pokédex entry.

Origin

Ekans seems to be based on various snakes. Its venomous bite and tail rattle are similar to a rattlesnake, while its lack of visible teeth and diet of eggs are similar to an egg-eating snake. The single yellow stripe around its neck is reminiscent of the ring-necked snake, and the line connecting its eyes is reminiscent of the marking on the back of the Indian cobra's hood. The fact that it is in the Dragon Egg Group and its ability to learn Glare may be a reference to the legendary basilisk, a venomous, serpentine dragon said to be able to kill people with its stare.

Name origin

Ekans is snake spelled backwards.[1][2]

Arbo may be derived from cobra or ボア boa spelled backwards.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese アーボ Arbo From cobra or ボア boa spelled backwards
France Flag.png French Abo From an anagram of boa
Spain Flag.png Spanish Ekans Same as English name
Germany Flag.png German Rettan From Natter spelled backwards
Italy Flag.png Italian Ekans Same as English name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 아보 Abo From an anagram of 보아 boa
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 阿柏蛇 Ābóshé From the transcription of Japanese name and shé
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 阿柏蛇 Ábaaksèh From the transcription of Japanese name and sèh


Related articles

References

External links

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