Poliwhirl (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0060MS.png #0060: Poliwag
Pokémon
#0062: Poliwrath 0062MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwhirl (disambiguation).
Poliwhirl
Tadpole Pokémon
ニョロゾ
Nyorozo
#0061
Poliwhirl



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Water Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Water Absorb or Damp Cacophony
Cacophony
Swift Swim
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
120 (24.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Water 1
Hatch time
20 cycles
Height
3'03" 1.0 m
Poliwhirl
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
44.1 lbs. 20.0 kg
Poliwhirl
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
131
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
135
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Slow
EV yield
Total: 2
Poliwhirl
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
2
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
Body12.png
Footprint
F0061.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Blue
Base friendship
70
External Links

Poliwhirl (Japanese: ニョロゾ Nyorozo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Poliwag starting at level 25 and evolves into either Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock.

(Specifics may differ in past games. Refer to Game data→Evolution data for these details.)

Biology

 
Part of its internal anatomy, as seen in its conceptual art

Poliwhirl is a blue, bipedal amphibian Pokémon with a spherical body. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head. A black and white swirl covers its belly, which is actually its organs showing through its thin skin. It appears to have white gloves on its hands and rounded, digit-less feet. When out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist and healthy. This keeps it covered in an oily fluid that allows it to slip away from enemies. All of its skin feels this way except where its swirl is, which is instead very smooth. The swirl on its belly undulates slowly and staring at it induces drowsiness.

Even though Poliwhirl is capable of moving on land, it prefers to stay in freshwater ponds and lakes where it has fewer natural enemies. It feeds on both bug and fish Pokémon. While it will leave the water to capture bug Pokémon, it will return and consume them underwater in safety. Its swirl is used to make children fall asleep. Poliwhirl's sweat is filled with slimy mucus. When captured by an enemy, it either slithers to escape or use its swirl to put the enemy to sleep.

Evolution

Poliwhirl evolves from Poliwag and evolves into either Poliwrath or Politoed.

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

 
Unevolved
Poliwag
 Water 

 
First evolution
Poliwhirl
 Water 

 
Second evolution
Poliwrath
 Water  Fighting 

 
Second evolution
Politoed
 Water 

In the anime

Main series

 
Poliwhirl in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwhirl

Misty had a Poliwhirl in The Totodile Duel that she caught as a Poliwag. It eventually evolved into a Politoed during Outrageous Fortunes.

Other

In Tie One On!, Vincent used a Poliwhirl in a battle against Macy. It was defeated by her Quilava despite having the type advantage.

Minor appearances

 
Poliwhril's Evolutionary line shown in Outrageous Fortunes

Poliwhirl debuted in Primeape Goes Bananas.

In The Battling Eevee Brothers, a Poliwhirl evolved into a Poliwrath during the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Chansey Operation.

A Poliwhirl appeared as an image in the Japanese version of The Ultimate Test.

In Riddle Me This, a Poliwhirl at the Pokémon Lab was targeted by Team Rocket.

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

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, a Trainer's Poliwhirl was defeated by Mewtwo while it was serving Giovanni.

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

In Friends to the End, a Trainer's Poliwhirl attended the closing ceremonies of the Indigo League.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

In In the Pink, Team Rocket's fantasy featured a pink Poliwhirl.

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

A wild Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

In Flower Power, two Poliwhirl were parts of Florando's annual Pokémon Exhibition.

In The Fire-ing Squad!, five Poliwhirl competed in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Poliwhirl participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble and Dueling Heroes.

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

In Octillery The Outcast and Dueling Heroes, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Whirl Cup.

In Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!, multiple Poliwhirl were among the feuding Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Team Rocket's fantasy in Nice Pryce Baby.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Pop Goes The Sneasel.

In Journey to the Starting Line!, a Poliwhirl was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Poliwhirl to the school's underage students for use in lessons.

In Hokey Poké Balls!, a Poliwhirl was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

A Poliwhirl appeared in PK13.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pokéblock, Stock, and Berry.

A Coordinator's Poliwhirl appeared in Deceit and Assist.

In Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, the Marina Group used a Poliwhirl for their Marina Underwater Pokémon Show.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Not on MY Watch Ya Don't!.

In A Faux Oak Finish!, Professor Oak spotted a Poliwhirl shortly before he was captured by a wild Quagsire.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Battle of Aerial Mobility!.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in a fantasy in Battling Into the Hall of Fame!.

In The Legend of the Ninja Hero!, a Poliwhirl lived at the Ninja Village.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Alola to New Adventure!.

In Racing to a Big Event!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Pokémon Pancake Race.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

Two Poliwhirl appeared in Alola, Kanto!, with one belonging to a Trainer and the other appearing in a lake.

In Smashing with Sketch!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Pokémon Ping-Pong tournament.

In I Choose Paradise!, two Trainers' Poliwhirl were at the Pokémon Paradise Resort.

In Securing the Future!, a Poliwhirl joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its normal form.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Turning the Other Mask!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Exciting Adventure!.

Two Poliwhirl appeared in a flashback in Enter Pikachu!.

In Caring for a Mystery!, four Poliwhirl battled a wild Riolu after it attacked them.

In The Cuteness Quotient!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competing in the Friendship Festival was targeted by Team Rocket.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Secrets of the Jungle.

In Heroes Unite!, a Poliwhirl appeared during a flashback.

A Poliwhirl appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One, under the ownership of a Gardner.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP151 Poliwhirl Ash's Pokédex Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. Its highly developed muscles allow Poliwhirl to move efficiently on land, but it is even more agile in water.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
JN120 Poliwhirl Chloe's Rotom Phone Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. A Water type. Poliwhirl can live on land or in the water. Its skin always feels slippery. Staring at the swirl on its belly can result in drowsiness.

Pokémon Evolutions

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Discovery, briefly disrupting Green and her Blastoise in Cerulean Cave.

In the manga

 
Poliwhirl in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty's Poliwhirl appeared in The Grand Rhydon Plan.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!, where it was seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty's Poliwhirl made a cameo in To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That is the Question!. Misty wished she could evolve her Poliwhirl into a Poliwrath, but she was unable to because Evolution stones were too expensive.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Two Poliwhirl appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Poli
Main article: Polibo

A Poliwhirl nicknamed Poli was Red's first Pokémon. He debuted in A Glimpse of the Glow, but was caught before the start of the chapter as a Poliwag. He gained more importance in Lt. Surge's story arc, and evolved in Buzz Off, Electabuzz! while saving Red from drowning in the sea due to the presence of an underwater Water Stone.

In A Glimps of the Glow, a Poliwhirl was in Red's explanation of Pokémon to the children of Pallet Town.

A Poliwhirl appeared as a silhouette when Green talks about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

Gold's Poliwag, Polibo, evolved into Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore when Gold and Silver were trapped inside the Tin Tower. With Silver's knowledge of Pokémon trading, Gold temporarily traded Poliwhirl to Silver via their Pokédexes, prompting Poliwhirl to evolve into Politoed when the effects of his King's Rock activated from the trade, triggering the evolution.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Poliwhirl appeared as a Battle Factory Pokémon in Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming.

The Battle Factory rented a Poliwhirl, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in Skirting Around Surskit I.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Scizor Defends and Charizard Transforms as a resident of the Pokémon Village.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwhirl appeared in a flashback in Yveltal Steals.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Xerneas Gives.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

A Poliwhirl appeared in Let's Aim For The Goal!.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Raining Crystal Ball.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lt. Surge owns a Poliwhirl, which appeared in The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Which One is the Real Clefairy!?.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!, where it was one of the Pokémon that took part in a baseball match. It was seen with Green during the game.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious? as one of the participants of a curry cooking competition.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Seize the Dream of One Million Yen!!.

Giovanni's first Poliwhirl appeared in The Thrill of a Perfect Score, Big Rampage at the Amusement Park!. It evolved into a Poliwrath in order to get rid of Red and his Clefairy and Pikachu when they went to the amusement park that he built. Giovanni has another Poliwhirl that appeared in Get The Last Badge!!, where it was used in his Gym battle against Red.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Legendary Moltres Appears!!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

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

A Poliwhirl appeared in Let's Go After The Pokémon Ranger!.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwhirl (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Poliwhirl only appears as a random trophy.

Trophy information

Poliwhirl is a Tadpole Pokémon able to live on either land or in the water. When on dry land, it's constantly sweating to keep its skin nice and slimy. When in danger, it spins the whirlpool marking on its stomach to put enemies into a deep sleep, then it runs away. It evolves into either Poliwrath or Politoed.

Game data

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto
#061
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) Capable of living in or out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy.
Blue
Yellow Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape.
Stadium Capable of living on land, but prefers to stay in water. If it is out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist.
Generation II Johto
#073
Gold The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness.
Silver The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth.
Crystal Though it is skilled at walking, it prefers to live underwater where there is less danger.
Stadium 2 The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness.
Generation III Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#061
Ruby The surface of Poliwhirl's body is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle.
Sapphire
Emerald Its body surface is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle.
FireRed Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water.
LeafGreen It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#073
Diamond The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness.
SoulSilver The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness.
White
Black 2 The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Mountain #034
Hoenn
#—
X It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy.
Y Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water.
Omega Ruby The surface of Poliwhirl's body is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
SM: #150
Alola
USUM: #183
Kanto
#061
Sun Although it can live on land, it prefers to stay in the water, where it has fewer natural enemies.
Moon It marches over the land in search of bug Pokémon to eat. Then it takes them underwater so it can dine on them where it's safe.
Ultra Sun Although it has become capable of living on land, it spends its time in the water, where its prey, fish Pokémon, are plentiful.
Ultra Moon Its health suffers when its skin dries out, so be sure to moisturize it diligently.
Let's Go Pikachu Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
Isle of Armor #143
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
Sword Staring at the swirl on its belly causes drowsiness. This trait of Poliwhirl's has been used in place of lullabies to get children to go to sleep.
Shield This Pokémon's sweat is a slimy mucus. When captured, Poliwhirl can slither from its enemies' grasp and escape.
Brilliant Diamond The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#40
Blueberry
#—
Scarlet Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water.
Violet Its skin is moist all over its body. The skin on its belly spiral also feels smooth.


   
Poliwhirl in the Alola Pokédex Poliwhirl in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Route 10 and Celadon City (Super Rod)
Blue (Japan)
Route 10 and Celadon City (Super Rod)
Yellow
Routes 22 and 23 (Super Rod)
Generation II
Gold Silver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing)
Crystal
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing)
Routes 28 and 44, Mt. Silver (tall grass)Night
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Routes 6, 22, 23, and 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley (Super Rod)
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 225 (Super Rod)
Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing)
Platinum
Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Mt. Silver, Violet City, Viridian City (Surfing)
Cerulean Cave (Super Rod)MorningDay
Safari Zone (Old Rod in Meadow and Wetland - default, with 2 Waterside points, and with 3 Waterside points; Good Rod in Meadow, default, and with 5 Waterside points; Good Rod in Wetland and Marshland, default; Super Rod in Meadow, Marshland and Wetland, default; Surfing in Rocky Beach, default)
Pal Park
Pond
Pokéwalker
Sightseeing
Generation V
Black White
Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Fishing)
Black 2 White 2
Routes 6, 19, 20, and 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Wellspring Cave, Clay Tunnel, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road (Fishing)
Pinwheel Forest (Hidden Grotto)*
Generation VI
X Y
Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Good Rod or Super Rod)
Pokémon Village, Frost Cavern, Victory Road (Surfing)
Friend Safari (Water)
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Trade Zubat in Konikoni City
Malie Garden (SOS Battle in rain)
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Malie Garden
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Routes 22, 23 and 25, Cerulean Cave (Sea Skim)
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
TradeVersion 1.2.0+
Expansion Pass
Soothing Wetlands (Wanderer)
Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courages Cavern (Max Raid Battle)
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Route 225 (Super Rod)
Routes 225, 227, 228 (Surfing)
Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex)
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
TradeVersion 2.0.1+
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero
Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge
Tera Raid Battles (3★)


In side games

Generation I
Pinball
Evolve Poliwag
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Trozei!
Secret Storage 11, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Northwind Field (10F-16F), Waterfall Pond (B9F-B13F)
Ranger
Krokka Tunnel, Panula Cave, Sekra Range
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Lake Afar (B1F-B12F)
MD Sky
Lake Afar (B1F-B12F)
Rumble
Bright Beach (Normale Mode C & A)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Lake: Everspring Valley
Rumble U
Magical Lake: Let's Sing a Song
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Safari Jungle: Stage 2Sa
Rumble World
Gold Plateau: Purifying Pond (All Areas), Plasma Tundra: Misty Moor (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Charizard Sea2019, Castform Sea, Lugia Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Northwind Field (14F-19F), Murky Cave (9F-13F), Waterfall Pond (9F-13F)
Fainted Pokémon: Southern Cavern
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Blau Salon: Stage 447


In events

Wild Area News
Games Event Gigantamax Location Level Distribution period
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 30 June 4 to 6, 2021

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
Gold Silver
Crystal
Diamond Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold SoulSilver
Black White
Black 2 White 2
X Y
Sun Moon
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Sword Shield
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
65
125 - 172 240 - 334
65
63 - 128 121 - 251
65
63 - 128 121 - 251
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
Total:
385
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 50.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
2/3 ★★
Skill
3/4 ★★★
Stamina
3/4 ★★★
Jump
3/4 ★★★
Total
13/18 ★★


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
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25
011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000 06060% 20
011 Pound Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
011 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15
1818 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20
2424 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00——% 5
3232 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15
4040 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10
4848 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5
5656 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000 00——% 10
6666 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwhirl
  • 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 
TM001  TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
TM005  TM005 Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10
TM007  TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM011  TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20
TM012  TM012 Low Kick Fighting Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
TM018  TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM022  TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20
TM025  TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM028  TM028 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM032  TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20
TM034  TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM035  TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM039  TM039 Low Sweep Fighting Physical 06565 100}}100% 20
TM043  TM043 Fling Dark Physical 0000 100}}100% 10
TM047  TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM050  TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM055  TM055 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM058  TM058 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM066  TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15
TM069  TM069 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
TM070  TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM077  TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM080  TM080 Metronome Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM085  TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM103  TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM110  TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10
TM120  TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM122  TM122 Encore Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 5
TM123  TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM128  TM128 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM130  TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM133  TM133 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM135  TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM142  TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5
TM143  TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM149  TM149 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10
TM171  TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM174  TM174 Haze Ice Status 0000 00—}}—% 30
TM192  TM192 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20
TM193  TM193 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10
TM203  TM203 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM204  TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15
TM205  TM205 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 5
TM208  TM208 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 085}}85% 15
TM209  TM209 Muddy Water Water Special 09090 085}}85% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Poliwhirl
  • 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 
Endeavor Normal Physical 100% 5
Mist Ice Status —% 30
Muddy Water Water Special 90 85% 10
Splash Normal Status —% 40
Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Poliwhirl
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwhirl
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior evolutions.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwhirl
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Special moves

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Event   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Wild Tera Pokémon Brick Break Fighting Physical 75 100% 15
Wild Tera Pokémon Liquidation Water Physical 85 100% 10
  • A superscript level indicates that Poliwhirl can learn this move normally in Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwhirl
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Double Kick Poliwhirl (Skyridge 88)
Energy Ball Poliwhirl (EX Unseen Forces 68)

Anime-only moves

Move Type Episode
Tackle  Normal  Wings 'N' Things

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
 
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: -19%
Friend Area: Tadpole Pond
Phrases
51%-100% HP Ground or water, I'm good for both!
26%-50% HP Hate to say this, but I'm down to half HP.
1%-25% HP I'm about done... There's no power left...
Level up Yup! Leveled up! Let me at them!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0.5%
IQ group: F
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Item delivery to Qwilfish
Connected to: Tentacool, Magikarp, Qwilfish, Sliggoo
Connection Orb Set: 13

Phrases
Normal Look at the spiral pattern on my belly!
Low HP (< 50%) Oh no! My slick, oily skin... It's drying out!
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Water
Poké Assist:  
Water
Field move:   
(Soak ×2)
Loops: 5 Min. exp.: 35 Max. exp.: 55
Browser entry R-053
Poliwhirl attacks with jets of water. Beware--it attacks repeatedly.
Pokémon Rumble
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
  Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds Base HP: 52
Base Attack: 73 Base Defense: 50 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Water
Attack Power: ★★★★★

 

Pokémon Shuffle
 
Water
  Attack Power: 50 - 100   5

#592
 

Sleep Combo
Increases damage done by combos if the foe is asleep.


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 163 Base Attack: 130 Base Defense: 123
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement:
 100 →  
 100 +  1 →  
Fast Attacks: Bubble, Mud Shot
Charged Attacks: Water Pulse*, Mud Bomb, Bubble Beam, Scald, Frustration , Return 

Evolution data

evolves from Poliwag starting at level 25 and evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock. Poliwhirl cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen before the player obtains the National Pokédex, as its evolution will be interupted. Poliwhirl also cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Politoed is not present in those games.

 
Unevolved
Poliwag
 Water 
 
Level 25
 
First evolution
Poliwhirl
 Water 
 
Water Stone
 
Second evolution
Poliwrath
 Water  Fighting 
  +  
Trade
holding King's Rock
 
Second evolution
Politoed
 Water 

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!
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
  For other sprites and images, please see Poliwhirl images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

 
Poliwhirl in the original Tokyo Pokémon Center logo
  • The logo for the Pokémon Center in Tokyo featured Poliwhirl until it was replaced by Piplup in July 2007.
    • Poliwhirl was also featured prominently on the center of the November 22, 1999, issue of Time Magazine.
  • Poliwhirl's sprites and artwork are inconsistent with respect to its gloves. Sometimes, they are depicted as mittens, while other times, they have separate fingers.
  • Poliwhirl shares its category with Poliwag, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.

Origin

Poliwhirl may be based on a tadpole and a frog. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of tadpoles can sometimes be seen through their transparent skin. Its evolution is based on a tadpole's metamorphosis. Its arms appear to be based on gloves, and with its Fighting-type evolved form in mind, they may be based on boxing gloves specifically.

Name origin

Poliwhirl may be a combination of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole) and whirl or whirlpool.

Nyorozo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (onomatopoeia for wriggling) and 小僧 kozō (youngster).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese ニョロゾ Nyorozo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 小僧 kozō
  French Têtarte From têtard and tarte
  Spanish Poliwhirl Same as English name
  German Quaputzi From Kaulquappe and putzig
  Italian Poliwhirl Same as English name
  Korean 슈륙챙이 Syuryukchaengi*
수륙챙이 Suryukchaengi*
From 수륙 (水陸) suryuk and 올챙이 olchaeng-i
  Mandarin Chinese 蚊香君 Wénxiāngjūn*
蚊香蛙 Wénxiāngwā*
From 蚊香 wénxiāng and jūn
From 蚊香 wénxiāng and
  Cantonese Chinese 蚊香君 Mānhēunggwān*
蚊香蛙 Mānhēungwā*
From 蚊香 mānhēung and gwān
From 蚊香 mānhēung and


Related articles

External links

  #0060: Poliwag
Pokémon
#0062: Poliwrath  


  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.