Magikarp (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0128MS.png #0128: Tauros
Pokémon
#0130: Gyarados 0130MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Magikarp (disambiguation).
Magikarp
Fish Pokémon
コイキング
Koiking
#0129
Magikarp



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Water Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Swift Swim Cacophony
Cacophony
Rattled
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
255 (43.9%)
Breeding
Egg Groups
Water 2 and Dragon
Hatch time
cycles
Height
2'11" 0.9 m
Magikarp
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
22.0 lbs. 10.0 kg
Magikarp
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
20
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
40
V+
Leveling rate
Slow
EV yield
Total: 1
Magikarp
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
1
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
Body03.png
Footprint
F0129.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Red
Base friendship
70
External Links

Magikarp (Japanese: コイキング Koiking) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Gyarados starting at level 20.

Biology

 
The variety of Magikarp known as the "Blue Raindrops"

Magikarp is a piscine Pokémon with large, heavy reddish-orange scales. It has large, vacant eyes and pink lips. Its pectoral and tail fins are white. On its back is a stiff, three-peaked yellow fin, resembling a crown; there is an identical fin on its underside. It also has long barbels. The barbels are white on a female and pale-yellow on a male. A long-lived Magikarp is able to utilize its immense splashing power to leap high enough to scale mountains. It also has a strong enough immune system to survive in the most polluted of waters. However, it is usually overlooked by Trainers because of its perceived weakness: even in the heat of battle, it will do nothing but flop around. It is believed that the ancestors of Magikarp were actually much stronger than modern Magikarp, and this led scientists to research this species.

Magikarp is found in many bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. However, due to its weak swimming ability, it usually lives downstream of the water's flow. In Generation I, Splash was its signature move. It is often seen using Splash to leap out of the water, which makes it an easy target for predators such as Pidgeotto and Pidgeot. Frillish is also known to prey on Magikarp.

In Hoppy Town, there are at least 31 unique pattern varieties of Magikarp, with their scales coming in colors such as gray, black, white, purple, pink, violet, apricot, and brown. These patterns can be classified by groups, depending on how the Magikarp looks while it is still small; a specific pattern arises when it becomes bigger. Which patterns can be caught depend on the type of Old Rod; the better the rod, the more groups of patterns can be fished. The people in Hoppy Town train their Magikarp to jump the highest in order to compete in a series of Leagues to win prizes.

Evolution

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados.

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

 
Unevolved
Magikarp
 Water 

 
First evolution
Gyarados
 Water  Flying 


In the anime

Main series

 
Magikarp in the anime

Major appearances

James's Magikarp

In Battle Aboard the St. Anne!, James purchased a Magikarp from the Magikarp salesman. It evolved into a Gyarados in the next episode, after James abandoned it for its uselessness.

Magikarp salesman's Magikarp

Several episodes, the first being Battle Aboard the St. Anne, involved a particular salesman trying to sell certain Pokémon to someone. The person he is usually trying to con is James, and he usually sells Magikarp, claiming that they are very valuable.

Goh's giant Magikarp

In A Little Rocket R & R!, Goh caught a giant Magikarp. In Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!, it competed in the Magikarp High Jump Competition but lost.

Other
 
Shiny Magikarp in the anime

In The Joy of Pokémon, a Nurse Joy from the Orange Islands was revealed to have befriended a giant Magikarp after it saved her as a child. It evolved into an equally large Gyarados but remained friendly.

In The Wacky Watcher!, multiple Magikarp were being observed by Quincy T. Quackenpoker, who was interested in learning their migration patterns and evolution process. Ash and his friends helped him with one of these excursions.

In Mantine Overboard!, Luka used three Magikarp to aid her, Ash, and later Misty in their underwater exploration.

In Ya See We Want An Evolution!, Oralie claimed her Magikarp was the strongest. Indeed, it was able to battle surprisingly well, even giving Ash's Pikachu a hard time.

In Going for the Gold!, a Shiny Magikarp appeared among several others. Clemont tried to lure the Shiny one in with an invention but wound up attracting a horde of Sharpedo instead.

In This Magik Moment!, the efforts of a Magikarp actor nicknamed Karpy to suppress its evolution failed, and it evolved into a Gyarados.

In Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!, Magikarpenter's Magikarp and Kasukarp's Shiny Magikarp, nicknamed Shinegoldie (Japanese: キンキング Kinking), both competed in the Magikarp High Jump Competition, with the latter winning.

Minor appearances

Magikarp debuted in Pokémon - I Choose You!, where one was swimming in the river that Ash jumped into while attempting to escape a flock of Spearow.

In Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village, a Magikarp was under Melanie's care. It reappeared in a flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.

In Hypno's Naptime, a Magikarp was in HopHopHop Town's Pokémon Center.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in a fantasy in the banned episode EP035.

In Holy Matrimony!, three Magikarp were owned by James's parents. They were being fed by James's father when Jessebelle bumped into him and James's mother, sending them into the river.

A Magikarp appeared as an image in The Ultimate Test.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Magikarp was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, multiple Magikarp were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In The Evolution Solution, a Magikarp was living on Seafoam Island.

Two Magikarp appeared in A Friend In Deed, with one under the ownership of a Trainer and the other under the ownership of the Pokémon League.

In Poké Ball Peril, Professor Oak was carefully studying a Magikarp.

In Pikachu Re-Volts, a Magikarp fell under the control of Cassidy and Butch via their Drowzee at Mandarin Island North.

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

A wild Magikarp appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

A Magikarp appeared in a fantasy in The Totodile Duel.

In Love, Totodile Style, Totodile juggled three Magikarp with its Water Gun in an attempt to impress the female Azumarill it had fallen in love with.

A Magikarp appeared in Snorlax Snowman.

In The Light Fantastic, a Magikarp was swimming in a river.

In Sick Daze, Brock's dream featured multiple Magikarp.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest. One of them reappeared in a montage in The Rise of Darkrai, which highlighted the preceding nine movies.

In The Joy of Water Pokémon, a Magikarp was living in Lake Lucid.

In Around the Whirlpool, a Magikarp was stolen from the Pokémon Center of Blue Point Isle.

In Octillery The Outcast, Misty's Poliwhirl defeated a Trainer's Magikarp during a Whirl Cup qualifying match. It reappeared in the following episode.

A Magikarp appeared in Dueling Heroes.

In The Legend of Thunder!, a Magikarp was swimming in a lake.

In Journey to the Starting Line, a Magikarp was swimming in a lake.

In a flashback in Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution, a Magikarp evolved into Red Gyarados.

In Enlighten Up!, multiple Magikarp were living in Lake Slowpoke.

A Magikarp appeared in a flashback in The Ties That Bind.

In Johto Photo Finish, a Magikarp evolved into a Gyarados in Gary's explanation.

A Magikarp appeared in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, under the ownership of a competitor in the Tour de Alto Mare.

A Magikarp appeared in Whiscash and Ash.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Destiny Deoxys.

In a flashback in Judgment Day!, Jimmy traded a Shiny Magikarp for a Charmeleon.

In On Olden Pond, a Magikarp was living in the lake.

A Magikarp appeared in Three Jynx and a Baby!.

A Coordinator's Magikarp appeared in Channeling the Battle Zone!.

In Once More With Reeling!, a Coordinator's Magikarp competed in the Terracotta Contest.

A Magikarp appeared in Following A Maiden's Voyage!.

In Arriving in Style!, a Stylist's Magikarp competed in the Hearthome Collection.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

A Magikarp appeared in PK19.

In One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!, Jessie used a Magikarp provided by the Pokémon Summer Academy for the second leg of the Pokémon Triathlon.

In Battling the Generation Gap!, a Magikarp was a part of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile".

In Historical Mystery Tour!, Dawn encountered a Magikarp in Xatu's Forest.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in The Needs of the Three!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in a flashback in Bucking the Treasure Trend!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A Magikarp appeared in Best Wishes Until We Meet Again!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!.

Two Magikarp appeared in An Undersea Place to Call Home!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Two Magikarp appeared in Day Three Blockbusters!. One appeared in a flashback, and the other was under the ownership of a Trainer who participated in the Pokémon Summer Camp.

A Magikarp appeared in a painting in Battling at Full Volume!.

A Magikarp appeared in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel.

A Magikarp appeared in XYS06.

In Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!, Pikachu caught a Magikarp by fishing with its tail, only for it to attack Ash before swimming away.

In Rocking Clawmark Hill!, three Magikarp were flopping about on the beach near Professor Kukui's house, having been washed ashore by the tide.

A Magikarp appeared in A Shivering Shovel Search!.

Six Magikarp appeared in Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper!.

A Magikarp appeared in Big Sky, Small Fry!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in I Choose You!.

Multiple wild Magikarp appeared in Alola, Kanto!, with one having its photo taken by Rotom.

A Magikarp swam along a river in Dewpider Ascending!.

A Magikarp appeared in The Power of Us.

Four Magikarp were swimming in the ocean in the Where Are You Going, Eevee? segment at the end of Don't Ignore the Small Stufful!.

A Magikarp appeared in We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!.

In A Recipe for Success!, a Magikarp was a customer of Oranguru's place.

A Magikarp appeared in Pikachu's Exciting Adventure!.

In Battle Royal 151!, a Trainer's Magikarp competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference. It faced off against another Trainer and his Pyukumuku, only to be defeated by Pikala and her Pikachu, nicknamed Bolt.

Two Magikarp appeared in Enter Pikachu!.

Four Magikarp appeared in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!.

In A Little Rocket R & R!, Ash and Goh fished up multiple Magikarp, one of which Goh caught.

In Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!, Jessie pulled a Magikarp from the Rocket Prize Master. Additionally, a Trainer's Magikarp competed in the Magikarp High Jump Competition.

Three Magikarp appeared in The Road Most Traveled!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Bearing Down Easy!.

A Magikarp appeared in For Sure! 'Cause Sprigatito's with Me!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
DP021 Magikarp Ash's Pokédex Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. Magikarp can live in the dirtiest of water. It jumps very well and can evolve into Gyarados.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
XY022 Magikarp Ash's Pokédex Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. Because all Magikarp seem to do is splash around, some consider them weak, but they're actually a hardy Pokémon that can survive in water no matter how dirty it is.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
JN024 Magikarp Goh's Rotom Phone Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. A Water type. With neither strength nor speed, Magikarp is thought to be the weakest Pokémon of all.

Pokémon Origins

 
Magikarp in Pokémon Origins

Red's Magikarp

In File 2: Cubone, the Magikarp salesman sold Red a Magikarp.

Pokémon Generations

In The Cavern, a wild Magikarp was in the waters that surrounded the Seafloor Cavern.

POKÉTOON

 
Magikarp in POKÉTOON

A Magikarp appeared in Wait for Me, Magikarp!. It later evolved into a Gyarados.

Pokémon Evolutions

In The Show, two Magikarp briefly appeared in the seas around the Whirl Islands.

In the manga

How I Became a Pokémon Card

A Magikarp appeared in PW32.

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Magikarp appeared in Magikarp Journey.

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

Multiple Magikarp debuted in What a Dragonite, where they escaped a Dragonite.

Yellow arc

Main article: Lance's Magikarp

Two Magikarp appeared in Sea Sea Seadra as residents of a river in Viridian Forest where Yellow was fishing.

In Whacked by Marowak!, Erika is seen teaching a class about a Magikarp that can learn Dragon Rage.

A Magikarp appeared in Breath of the Dragonair Part 1, under the ownership of a Trainer. It was used in a surfing contest, before it was interrupted by Lance controlling the winning prize, a Dragonair.

Bill has a Magikarp that appeared in Make Way for Magikarp. Its resilient body saved Bill from the acidic saliva of a Victreebel.

Lance's Magikarp appeared in a flashback in The Legend as a Pokémon harmed by human industrialization. It evolved into Gyarados sometime before Extricated from Exeggutor, and it was used to shield him from the lava on Mt. Cerise.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

In Teddiursa's Picnic, a Magikarp appeared in its Poké Ball after a wild Granbull had spit out all the Poké Balls it stole. It was returned to its owner by Wilton afterwards.

Multiple Magikarp had evolved into Gyarados at the Lake of Rage from the radio waves emitted by Team Rocket in Raise the Red Gyarados.

A Magikarp appeared in Slugging It Out with Slugma as one of the Pokémon at Earl's Pokémon Academy in Violet City.

Ruby & Sapphire arc

Two Magikarp appeared in aquariums belonging to Mr. Briney and Team Aqua in Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! I.

Emerald arc

A blind boy owned a Magikarp nicknamed Karpy, which debuted in The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon VI.

Diamond & Pearl arc

Diamond and Lax dressed up as Magikarp in the Diamond & Pearl arc. They ate rice balls, and Diamond called himself a Munchikarp.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Tackling Tangrowth, Mixing It Up with Machamp, and Bogging Down Quagsire.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

A Magikarp appeared in In Search of the Legendary Pokémon Dialga!!.

A Magikarp appeared in The Mystery Boy, Jun!!.

Multiple Magikarp appeared in The Legendary Pokémon, Captured.

A Magikarp appeared in a fantasy in Look for Giratina!.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Chris owns six Magikarp in Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys.

A Magikarp appeared in A Spectacular Battle To Save Ampharos!!.

A Trainer's Magikarp appeared in Let's Fight For The Future!!.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Magikarp appeared in The Challenge at Celadon University!. It knew the event-exclusive move Dragon Rage.

Shu caught a Magikarp in GDZ51.

Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic

A Magikarp appeared in Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Five Magikarp appeared in Legend? Check! Friends? Check!.

Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition ~ Ranse's Color Picture Scroll ~

A Magikarp appeared in The Yellow Scroll: Hanbei vs Kanbei.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Magikarp appeared in Clefairy's Under Training!!.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

A Magikarp appeared in I Won't Let You Lead!!.

A Magikarp appeared in Rare Pokémon!!.

Pokémon Try Adventure

Soro owns a Magikarp.

Pokémon Zensho

Satoshi has multiple Magikarp in Pokémon Zensho.

In the TCG

Main article: Magikarp (TCG)

Other appearances

POKÉMON Detective Pikachu

A Magikarp appeared in POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. It was seen at an illegal fight club, where Detective Pikachu tried to get it to evolve in order to battle a Charizard. It eventually did and scared Charizard away.

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#129
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Blue
Yellow Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.
Stadium Whoever its opponent, and however horrible the attack it receives, all it does is Splash around.
Generation II Johto
#076
Gold An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
Silver For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.
Crystal This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.
Stadium 2 An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
Generation III Hoenn
#052
Kanto
#129
Ruby Magikarp is a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing. This behavior prompted scientists to undertake research into it.
Sapphire Magikarp is virtually useless in battle as it can only splash around. As a result, it is considered to be weak. However, it is actually a very hardy Pokémon that can survive in any body of water no matter how polluted it is.
Emerald Its swimming muscles are weak, so it is easily washed away by currents. In places where water pools, you can see many Magikarp deposited there by the flow.
FireRed It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
LeafGreen In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#023
Johto
#076
Diamond It is said to be the world's weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.
Pearl It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.
Platinum A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
HeartGold An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
SoulSilver For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
White
Black 2 A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Central #049
Hoenn
#053
X It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
Y In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Omega Ruby Magikarp is a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing. This behavior prompted scientists to undertake research into it.
Alpha Sapphire Magikarp is virtually useless in battle as it can only splash around. As a result, it is considered to be weak. However, it is actually a very hardy Pokémon that can survive in any body of water no matter how polluted it is.
Generation VII Alola
SM: #091
Alola
USUM: #111
Kanto
#129
Sun Although weak and helpless, this Pokémon is incredibly fertile. They exist in such multitudes, you'll soon grow tired of seeing them.
Moon Its reckless leaps make it easy pickings for predators. On the bright side, many Pokémon enjoy longer life spans, thanks to Magikarp.
Ultra Sun In the distant past, they were fairly strong, but they have become gradually weaker over time.
Ultra Moon Thanks to their strong hold on life, dirty water doesn't bother them at all. They live in waters all over the world!
Let's Go Pikachu Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
#144
Galar
Isle of Armor #042
Galar
Crown Tundra #062
Sinnoh
#023
Hisui
#080
Sword It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
Shield This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.
Brilliant Diamond It is said to be the world's weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.
Shining Pearl It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.
Legends: Arceus A feeble, pitiful imbecile of a Pokémon that is nonetheless very hardy. Unperturbed by turbid water, it can be found living in all sorts of places.
Generation IX Paldea
#134
Kitakami
#43
Blueberry
#—
Scarlet An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions but never more than seven feet.
Violet In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.


     
Magikarp in the Alola Pokédex Magikarp in the Paldea Pokédex Magikarp in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, Cerulean Cave (Old Rod)
Routes 12, 13, 17, and 18, Fuchsia City (Super Rod)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Blue (Japan)
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Old Rod)
Routes 12, 13, 17, and 18, Fuchsia City (Super Rod)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Yellow
Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, Cerulean Cave (Old Rod)
Fuchsia City, Safari Zone (Super Rod)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Generation II
Gold Silver
Routes 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, New Bark Town, Pallet Town, Cherrygrove City, Cerulean City and Gym, Cianwood City, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Whirl Islands (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Routes 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Olivine City, Cianwood City, Viridian City, Ruins of Alph, Union Cave, Ilex Forest, Slowpoke Well, Mt. Mortar, Tohjo Falls, Mt. Silver, Mt. Silver Cave (fishing)
Routes 43, 45, Dark Cave, Lake of Rage, Blackthorn City, Dragon's Den, Fuchsia City (Surfing and fishing)
Crystal
Routes 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, New Bark Town, Pallet Town, Cherrygrove City, Cianwood City, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Whirl Islands (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Routes 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Olivine City, Cerulean City, Viridian City, Ruins of Alph, Union Cave, Ilex Forest, Slowpoke Well, Mt. Mortar, Tohjo Falls, Mt. Silver, Mt. Silver Cave (fishing)
Routes 43, 45, Dark Cave, Lake of Rage, Blackthorn City, Dragon's Den, Fuchsia City (Surfing and fishing)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Routes 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134, Petalburg City, Dewford Town, Slateport City, Lilycove City, Pacifidlog Town, Ever Grande City, Abandoned Ship, Safari Zone, Shoal Cave, Meteor Falls, Seafloor Cavern, Victory Road, Mossdeep City (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Route 104 (fishing)
Sootopolis City (Surfing and fishing)
Emerald
Routes 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134, Petalburg City, Dewford Town, Slateport City, Lilycove City, Pacifidlog Town, Ever Grande City, Abandoned Ship, Safari Zone, Shoal Cave, Meteor Falls, Seafloor Cavern, Victory Road, Mossdeep City (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Route 104 (fishing)
Sootopolis City (Surfing and fishing)
FireRed LeafGreen
Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Treasure Beach, Kindle Road, Cape Brink, Bond Bridge, Five Isle Meadow, Ruin Valley, Water Path, Water Labyrinth, Resort Gorgeous, Memorial Pillar, Green Path, Outcast Island, Tanoby Ruins, Pallet Town, Cerulean City, Viridian City, Fuchsia City, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Cinnabar Island, One Island, Four Island, Five Island, Trainer Tower, Cerulean Cave, Safari Zone, Berry Forest, Icefall Cave, Seafoam Islands (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Routes 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, and 230, Twinleaf Town, Eterna City, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Pastoria City, Sunyshore City, Lake Verity, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Ravaged Path, Valley Windworks, Mt. Coronet, Iron Island, Great Marsh, Sendoff Spring, Pokémon League, Victory Road, Fuego Ironworks, Oreburgh Gate, Resort Area (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Trade Finneon on Route 226 (German)
Platinum
Routes 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, Twinleaf Town, Eterna City, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Pastoria City, Sunyshore City, Lake Verity, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Ravaged Path, Valley Windworks, Mt. Coronet, Iron Island, Great Marsh, Sendoff Spring, Pokémon League, Victory Road, Fuego Ironworks, Oreburgh Gate (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Trade Finneon on Route 226 (German)
Resort Area (fishing)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Routes 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 34, 40, 41, 47, New Bark Town, Cherrygrove City, Olivine City, Cianwood City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, Union Cave 3F, Whirl Islands 1F/B1F/B2F, Mt. Silver Cave 1F, Cerulean Cave, Seafoam Islands B4F, Vermilion City (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Routes 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 22, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 35, 42, 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Ruins of Alph, Union Cave 1F/2F, Slowpoke Well, Cliff Edge Gate, Mt. Mortar, Tohjo Falls, Mt. Silver, Ilex Forest (fishing)
Routes 43, 45, Dark Cave, Lake of Rage, Blackthorn City, Fuchsia City, Dragon's Den, Mt. Moon Square (Surfing and fishing)
Safari Zone (Surfing, Old Rod and Good Rod in Meadow, Swamp and Rocky Beach - default; Old and Good Rod in Marshland, default; Old Rod in Wetland, default)
Pal Park
Pond
Pokéwalker
Warm Beach, Stormy Beach, Winner's Path
Generation V
Black White
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Marvelous Bridge
Black 2 White 2
Nature Preserve (fishing)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Marvelous Bridge
Dream World
Sparkling Sea
Generation VI
X Y
Routes 3, 22, Parfum Palace (fishing)
Trade Gyarados in a hotel in Camphrier Town, Ambrette Town, Cyllage City, Geosenge Town, Coumarine City, or Couriway Town
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Routes 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, Sea Mauville, Petalburg City, Meteor Falls, Dewford Town, Mossdeep City, Lilycove City, Slateport City, Team Magma HideoutOR, Team Aqua HideoutAS, Sealed Chamber, Victory Road, Ever Grande City, Pacifidlog Town, Scorched Slab, Safari Zone, Shoal Cave, Seafloor Cavern, Battle Resort (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Route 104 (fishing)
Sootopolis City (Surfing and fishing)
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Routes 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, Melemele Sea, Seaward Cave, Kala'e Bay, Paniola Town, Akala Outskirts, Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden, Seafolk Village, Poni Wilds, Poni Breaker Coast, Poni Meadow, Poni Gauntlet, Vast Poni Canyon, Secluded Shore (fishing)
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Routes 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, Melemele Sea, Seaward Cave, Kala'e Bay, Paniola Town, Akala Outskirts, Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden, Seafolk Village, Poni Breaker Coast, Poni Meadow, Poni Gauntlet, Vast Poni Canyon (fishing)
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Seafoam Islands, Cerulean Cave (Sea Skim)
Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
South Lake Miloch
Routes 2, 4, 5, and 6, Axew's Eye, Bridge Field, East Lake Axewell, Motostoke, North Lake Miloch, Slumbering Weald, South Lake Miloch (fishing)
West Lake Axewell (Surfing and fishing)
Bridge Field, Dusty Bowl, East Lake Axewell, Giant's Cap, Lake of Outrage, West Lake Axewell (Max Raid Battle)
Expansion Pass
Fields of Honor, Courageous Cavern, Soothing Wetlands, Challenge Beach, Forest of Focus, Training Lowlands, Workout Sea, Loop Lagoon, Stepping-Stone Sea, Insular Sea, Honeycalm Island, Honeycalm Sea, Giant's Bed, Snowslide Slope, Giant's Foot, Frigid Sea, Ballimere Lake (fishing)
Giant's Bed, Giant's Foot, Roaring-Sea Caves, Ballimere Lake (Surfing)
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Routes 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, and 230, Twinleaf Town, Eterna City, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Pastoria City, Sunyshore City, Lake Verity, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Ravaged Path, Valley Windworks, Mt. Coronet, Iron Island, Great Marsh, Sendoff Spring, Pokémon League, Victory Road, Fuego Ironworks, Oreburgh Gate, Resort Area (Old Rod or Good Rod)
Trade Finneon on Route 226 (German)
Legends: Arceus
Obsidian Fieldlands: Worn Bridge (mass outbreaks), near Oreburrow Tunnel  , Obsidian Falls, Lake Verity
Cobalt Coastlands: massive mass outbreaks
Coronet Highlands: near Celestica Trail
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
South Province: Area One, Area Two, Area Three, Area Four, Area Five, Area Six, South Paldean Sea, Poco Path
East Province: Area Two, Area Three, East Paldean Sea, Tagtree Thicket
West Province: Area Two, Area Three, West Paldean Sea
North Province: Area One, North Paldean Sea, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain
Tera Raid Battles (2★, 3★)
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero
Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge, Oni Mountain, Oni's Maw, Infernal Pass, Chilling Waterhead, Kitakami Wilds


In side games

Generation I
Snap
Beach, Tunnel, Volcano, River, Cave, Valley
Pinball
Red Field: Pewter City, Cycling Road
Blue Field: Fuchia City
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Channel
Secret Cove
Pinball: R&S
Ocean (Ruby Field)
Trozei!
SOL Laboratory 3, Secret Storage 5, Secret Storage 19, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red
Wonder Mail code
MD Blue
Waterfall Pond (7F-11F)
Ranger
Safra Sea, Sekra Range
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Lake Afar (B1F-B12F)
MD Sky
Lake Afar (B1F-B12F)
Rumble
Bright Beach (Both Modes C, Normal Mode S)
PokéPark Wii
Meadow Zone
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Lake: World Axle - B2F
PokéPark 2
Arbor Area
Conquest
Fontaine, Dragnor
Rumble U
Adventure Area: Unexpected Land, Aquatic Hill: Magikarp is All You Need
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Island of Haste: Stage 1
Rumble World
Dewdrop Bay: Castle Moat (All Areas), Origin Hideaway: Waterfall Basin (All Areas)
Picross
Area 17: Stage 03
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Charizard Sea2019, Snorlax Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Murky Cave (6F-10F), Waterfall Pond (7F-11F)
Fainted Pokémon: Remains Island, Fantasy Strait
Strong Foe: Marvelous Sea (1F-17F) 
New Snap
Florio Nature Park, Secret Side PathNight, Founja Jungle, Mightywide River, Elsewhere Forest, Belusylva Island Illumina Spot, Blushing BeachNight, Maricopia ReefDay, Lental Seafloor, Barren BadlandsNight Level 2, Shiver Snowfields, Outaway Cave, Ruins of Remembrance
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Desert Umbra: Stage 321
Event: Pokémon Safari (Tenth release; Shiny)
Masters EX
Daily Battle (The Golden Magikarp): Scottie/Bettie & MagikarpEgg


Magikarp will not appear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team until a rescue mission involving it has been completed, using a Wonder Mail code such as the following:

X ? ? S ? ? X ? 4 6 8 ?
♀ + ? ? 9 7 5 6 S Y ? ?
Objective: Rescue Magikarp on floor 12 of Stormy Sea.

In events

Games Event Language/Region Location Level Distribution period
RGB University Magikarp Japanese Japan ? July 1998
GSC Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Reversal Magikarp English United States 5 June 8 to 21, 2002
GSC Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Bubble Magikarp English United States 5 January 24 to 30, 2003
BWB2W2 Pokémon Center Nagoya Magikarp Japanese Japan 99  March 20 to May 6, 2013
XYORAS Pokémon Center Hiroshima Magikarp All Japan 1 June 26 to August 31, 2015
SM Lunar Magikarp Japanese region Online 19  January 26 to February 6, 2017
SM Lunar Magikarp American region Online 19  January 26 to February 6, 2017
SM Lunar Magikarp PAL region Online 19  January 26 to February 6, 2017
SM Lunar Magikarp Taiwanese region Online 19  January 26 to February 6, 2017
GTS events
Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
DP Nana Magikarp Japanese GTS 5 February 14 to 15, 2007
DP Nory Magikarp Japanese GTS 7 February 14 to 15, 2007
DP Ruirui Magikarp Japanese GTS 6 February 14 to 15, 2007
DP Ryuuta Magikarp Japanese GTS 4 February 14 to 15, 2007
DP Utz Magikarp Japanese GTS 5 February 14 to 15, 2007
Wild Area News
Games Event Gigantamax Location Level Distribution period
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 70 December 31, 2019 to January 4, 2020
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60  December 31, 2019 to January 4, 2020

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 (100%)
Yellow
Diamond Pearl
Platinum
Pokéwalker
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Legends: Arceus
  Normal
Grit items by level
  Alpha
Grit items by level

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
20
80 - 127 150 - 244
10
13 - 68 22 - 130
55
54 - 117 103 - 229
15
18 - 73 31 - 141
20
22 - 79 40 - 152
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
Total:
200
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 20.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
1/5 ☆☆☆☆
Power
1/4 ☆☆☆
Skill
1/3 ☆☆
Stamina
1/5 ☆☆☆☆
Jump
2/4 ★★☆☆
Total
6/21 ☆☆☆


Type effectiveness

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

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Splash Normal Status 0000 00——% 40
1515 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
2525 Flail Normal Physical 0000 100100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Magikarp
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Magikarp
  • 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 
This Pokémon learns no moves by TM.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Magikarp
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Magikarp
  • 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 
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Magikarp
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Magikarp
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Magikarp
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Rage Magikarp (EX Deoxys 64)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
   
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
   
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
 
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 9.2%
Friend Area: Waterfall Lake
Phrases
51%-100% HP I'm the world's weakest Pokémon. You knew that, yes?
26%-50% HP Huh? Look, my health is down by half already.
1%-25% HP I'm not much good now. I have almost no HP left.
Level up Look, my level went up! But I'm probably still weak...
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.2%
IQ group: C
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Rescue
Connected to: Poliwhirl, Feebas
Connection Orb Set: 13

Phrases
Normal *splash splash*
Low HP (< 50%) I don't have enough energy left to splash
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Water
Poké Assist:  
Water
Field move: None
Loops: 1 Min. exp.: 5 Max. exp.: 5
Browser entry R-124
Magikarp appears to be only capable of flopping about helplessly.
Pokémon Rumble
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
  Walking Speed: 2.33 seconds Base HP: 36
Base Attack: 58 Base Defense: 44 Base Speed: 60
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
  PokéPark Pad entry:
Magikarp came to the Meadow Zone to play. His favorite Attractions include Bulbasaur's Daring Dash, Venusaur's Vine Swing, and Empoleon's Snow Slide.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
 
PokéPark Pad entry:
He thinks he is king of PokéPark, but all he does is Splash.
Pokémon Conquest
  HP: Move: Splash
Attack: Ability 1: Gulp
Ability 2: Mood Maker
Ability 3: Decoy
Defense:
Speed: ★★★
Evolves into Gyarados when its Attack is 16 or higher
Range: 3 Perfect Links: Nobuchika and Takeyoshi
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Water
Attack Power: ★★★★

 

Pokémon Shuffle
 
Water
  Attack Power: 30 - 100   10

#477
 

Swap++
Sometimes replaces five disruptions with this Pokémon.
  Swappable Skill(s): Risk-Taker, Dragon Sweep


Pokémon Shuffle
 
Water
  Attack Power: 30 - 100   10

#477
 

Cheer
Increases the chance that the next match's skill is triggered.
  Swappable Skill(s): Dragon Shriek


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 85 Base Attack: 29 Base Defense: 85
Egg Distance: 2 km Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement:   400
Fast Attacks: Splash
Charged Attacks: Struggle, Frustration , Return 
New Pokémon Snap
 
Photodex entry #020
Wherever there's a body of water, odds are you'll also find Magikarp. All it does is flop around, so it seems kinda weak, but it may in fact be hardier than it looks!

In Pokémon GO, Magikarp can be obtained by completing 1/4 of the Ticketed Special Research, Making a Splash.

Evolution data

 
Unevolved
Magikarp
 Water 
 
Level 20
 
First evolution
Gyarados
 Water  Flying 


Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
           
           
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
       
       
       
       
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Front Back Front Back
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Legends: Arceus
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
   
  For other sprites and images, please see Magikarp images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


                     
                     
                     
Magikarp patterns in Pokémon: Magikarp Jump

Trivia

 
Magikarp in Pokémon Battle Chess

Origin

Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

Magikarp is based on the Asian carp, which are easily frightened by disturbances in water and can jump 8–10 feet (2.5–3 m.) in the air. Its Shiny coloration may be a visual pun on a goldfish. The golden dorsal fin of Magikarp may be based on a crown which likely originate from the pun on the Japanese word for goldfish 金魚 Kingyo. Magikarp's permanently open mouth may be a reference to koinobori, a carp-shaped windsock traditionally flown to celebrate Children's Day in Japan.

Magikarp's evolution into Gyarados is based on a legend about how carp that leaped over the Dragon Gate would become dragons. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This legend is an allegory of the drive and efforts needed to overcome obstacles. This may have inspired an element in Pokémon Snap where, after certain steps are taken, a Magikarp will splash its way into a waterfall where it evolves.

Name origin

Magikarp may be a combination of magic (referring to its drastic power increase upon evolving into Gyarados or to magical goldfishes) and carp.

Koiking may be a combination of 鯉 koi (carp) and king, which may come from 金魚 Kingyo (goldfish).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese コイキング Koiking From 鯉 koi and king
  French Magicarpe From magique and carpe
  Spanish Magikarp Same as English name
  German Karpador From Karpfen and Dorsch
  Italian Magikarp Same as English name
  Korean 잉어킹 Ingeoking From 잉어 ing-eo and king
  Mandarin Chinese 鯉魚王 / 鲤鱼王 Lǐyúwáng From 鯉魚 / 鲤鱼 lǐyú and wáng
  Cantonese Chinese 鯉魚王 Léih'yùhwòhng From 鯉魚 léih'yùh and wòhng


Related articles

External links


  #0128: Tauros
Pokémon
#0130: Gyarados  
  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.