Magikarp (Pokémon)

← #128: Tauros	Pokémon	#130: Gyarados →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Magikarp (disambiguation).

Magikarp コイキング Koiking #129
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Water ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Fish Pokémon
Abilities Swift Swim ----- Blue-Striped ----- Rattled Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #129 Johto #076 Hoenn #052 Sinnoh #023 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-124 Almia R— Oblivia
Height 2'11" Imperial 0.9 m Metric 2'11"/0.9 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 22.0 lbs. Imperial 10.0 kg Metric 22.0 lbs./10.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Red	Catch rate 255 (33.3%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Water 2 and Dragon groups 6 cycles (1530 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 1 Base Exp.: 20 Battle Exp.: 201*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

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

It evolves into Gyarados starting at level 20.

Biology

Physiology

Magikarp is a reddish-orange, medium-sized fish. Its notable characteristics include large, heavy scales. Its fins are primarily white, but it has two stiff, three-peaked fins on its back and stomach that are both yellow. It also has long barbels.

Gender differences

A female has white barbels and a male has tan ones. In Platinum (but no other games to date), the male also has a slightly bigger light band on its forehead compared to the female.

Special abilities

Long-lived Magikarp are able to utilize their immense splashing power to leap high enough to jump mountains. Magikarp also have a strong enough immune system to survive in the most polluted of waters.

Behavior

Although this Pokémon is capable of surviving in even the most polluted ponds, it is usually overlooked by Trainers because it is pathetically weak: even in the heat of battle it will do nothing but flop around. It is not a strong swimmer, and currents in the water will sweep it downstream. They are normally seen using Splash, which is unusual, as it makes them easy targets to predators. Before the species multiplied, it is believed that the ancestors of Magikarp were actually much stronger than the Magikarp seen today, and this belief has led scientists to research this species.

Habitat

File:Watersedge.gif

Water's-edge Pokémon

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. Magikarp are extremely plentiful, living in almost any region. No one really knows how this Pokémon survived, however, Magikarp is rare in the Unova region, unlike the other regions.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Magikarp in the anime

Shiny Magikarp in the anime

Major appearances

Magikarp salesman's Magikarp

Several episodes, the first one being in Battle Aboard the St. Anne, involve 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're very valuable.

Other

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

In The Wacky Watcher!, Ash, Misty, and Tracey help a Pokémon Watcher named Quincy T. Quackenpoker observe the migration and evolution of a school of Magikarp.

Another, in Ya See We Want An Evolution, was nicknamed the strongest. This male Magikarp was unique in that it was in fact able to battle surprisingly well, even giving Pikachu a hard time.

Minor appearances

Magikarp are very often seen in any underwater scene. This is most likely a reference to their extreme abundance in the games.

Magikarp debuted in Pokémon - I Choose You! when one was seen swimming in the river that Ash had jumped into to try to escape a flock of Spearow that were chasing after him.

A Magikarp appeared in Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village. It was one of the Pokémon in Melanie's care. It reappeared in a flashback in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!.

A Magikarp was seen in a Pokémon Center in Hypno's Naptime.

Multiple Magikarp also appeared in the banned episode EP035.

A Magikarp appeared in Electric Soldier Porygon.

Magikarp also appeared in Holy Matrimony!, The Evolution Solution, A Friend In Deed and Friend and Foe Alike.

Multiple Magikarp were among the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral.

A Magikarp was being studied by Professor Oak in Poké Ball Peril.

A Magikarp was among the Pokémon controlled by Cassidy and Butch in Pikachu Re-Volts.

A school of Magikarp appeared in The Power of One.

Totodile juggled three Magikarp with its Water Gun in Love, Totodile Style.

A Magikarp appeared in The Light Fantastic swimming in a river.

Several Magikarp appeared in Brock's dream in Sick Daze.

A Magikarp appeared in The Joy of Water Pokémon as an inhabitant of Lake Lucid.

Magikarp also appeared in Celebi: Voice of the Forest.

Three Magikarp appeared under the ownership of Luka in Mantine Overboard!. They were used to aid her, Ash and later Misty in their underwater exploration.

In Octillery The Outcast, Misty's Poliwhirl went up against an unnamed Trainer's Magikarp in a qualifying match for the Whirl Cup tournament and won.

A Magikarp was among the Pokémon stolen from the Pokémon Center of Blue Point Isle in Around the Whirlpool.

A Magikarp appeared in Dueling Heroes.

A Magikarp was seen swimming in a lake in The Legend of Thunder! and Journey to the Starting Line.

Multiple Magikarp were among the Pokémon living in Lake Slowpoke in Enlighten Up!.

A Magikarp appeared in Gary's explanation in Johto Photo Finish.

A Magikarp was used by a competitor in the Tour de Alto Mare, a water chariot race, in Pokémon Heroes.

In Judgment Day, a Shiny Magikarp appeared in a flashback under the ownership of Jimmy and was later traded.

A Magikarp appeared in Arriving in Style!.

In One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team, Jessie used a different Magikarp which was confirmed to be male in the second leg of the Pokémon Triathlon.

It was also seen as part of Lila's famous "Tiger Lily Smile" background in Battling the Generation Gap!.

Another Magikarp also appeared in Historical Mystery Tour!.

A group of Magikarp appeared in The Needs of the Three!.

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

Multiple Magikarp appeared in Destiny Deoxys, Giratina and the Sky Warrior and Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

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.

In the manga

Magikarp as it appears in Pokémon Get da ze!

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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

Magikarp was seen at the Lake of Rage, being forcibly evolved into Gyarados.

Erika is also seen teaching a class about Magikarp that can learn Dragon Rage.

Lance's Magikarp evolved into Gyarados and was used to shield him from the lava on Mt. Cerise.

In the Pokémon Get da ze! manga

A Magikarp appeared in the sixth chapter of Pokémon Get da ze!. Strangely, this Magikarp knew Dragon Rage.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Satoshi has multiple Magikarp in the Pokémon Zensho manga.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Chris owns six Magikarp in The Golden Boys manga.

In the TCG

Main article: Magikarp (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red 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 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 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 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 Black A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 with Old Rod Routes 12, 13, 17, and 18 and Fuchsia City with Super Rod Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4 Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Common Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 with Old Rod Fuchsia City and Safari Zone with Super Rod Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4
Generation II Gold Silver Common Fish with Old or Good Rod, Surfing in the Lake of Rage Crystal Common Fish with Old or Good Rod, Surfing in the Lake of Rage
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Common Fish with Old or Good Rod Emerald Common Fish with Old or Good Rod FireRed LeafGreen Common Fish with Old Rod Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Route 4 Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Common Fish with Old Rod Trade Finneon on Route 226 (German) Platinum Common Fish with Old or Good Rod Trade Finneon on Route 226 (German) Resort Area with Super Rod HeartGold SoulSilver Common Fish with Old, Good, or Super Rod Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Warm Beach, Stormy Beach, and Winner's Path
Generation V Black White One Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Marvelous Bridge Black 2 White 2 One Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500 on Marvelous Bridge Dream World Sparkling Sea
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	Beach, Tunnel Volcano, River Cave, Valley
Pokémon Channel	Secret Cove
Pokémon Pinball	Pewter City Cycling Road Fuchsia City
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Ocean (Ruby Field)
Pokémon Trozei!	SOL Laboratory 3 Secret Storage 5 Secret Storage 19 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Waterfall Pond (7F-11F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Lake Afar (B1-B24)
Pokémon Ranger	Safra Sea Sekra Range
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach Normal Mode C & S
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Lake: World Axle - B2F
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Meadow Zone
Pokémon Conquest	Fontaine, Dragnor

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

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	Location	Level	Distribution period
List of Nintendo event Pokémon in Generation II#Magikarp	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station!	United States	2003	5	Never
List of GTS event Pokémon#Nana	Pokémon Daisuki Club GTS Distribution	GTS	2007	5	Never
List of GTS event Pokémon#Nory	Pokémon Daisuki Club GTS Distribution	GTS	2007	7	Never
List of GTS event Pokémon#Ruirui	Pokémon Daisuki Club GTS Distribution	GTS	2007	6	Never
List of GTS event Pokémon#Ryuuta	Pokémon Daisuki Club GTS Distribution	GTS	2007	4	Never
List of GTS event Pokémon#Utz	Pokémon Daisuki Club GTS Distribution	GTS	2007	5	Never

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Pokéwalker		Wacan Berry (100%)
Events*		Heart Mail (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 20		80 - 127	150 - 244
Attack: 10		13 - 68	22 - 130
Defense: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Sp. Atk: 15		18 - 73	31 - 141
Sp. Def: 20		22 - 79	40 - 152
Speed: 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 V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Splash Normal Status 0000— ——% 40 1515 Tackle Normal Physical 05050 100100% 35 3030 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/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
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 of Magikarp Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Magikarp in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Magikarp in that game. 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

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Bounce	Flying	Physical	85	85%	5
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Magikarp can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Magikarp cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

Dream World-only moves

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Dream World	Bounce	Flying	Physical	85	85%	5
A superscript level indicates that Magikarp can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level 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 event moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Dragon Rage	Magikarp (Mysterious Treasures 89) Magikarp (University promo)
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 File:MDP RT 129.png 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... Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up 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 Ranger Group:  Water  Poké Assist: ( Water ) Field move: None Loops: 1 Min. exp.: 5 Max. exp.: 5 Browser entry   Magikarp appears to be only capable of flopping about helplessly.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
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 Strong: Weak: 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 Defense: ★ Ability 2: Mood Maker Speed: ★★★ Ability 3: Decoy Evolves into Gyarados when Attack reaches 16 Range: 3 Perfect Links: Nobuchika, Takeyoshi

Evolution

Unevolved Magikarp  Water

Level 20 →

First Evolution Gyarados  Water  Flying

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Magikarp images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Excluding Battle Towers', Battle Frontiers', and players' Pokémon, Magikarp is tied at the lowest (with Regigigas), and ironically, the highest level non-glitch Pokémon able to be encountered. After all, in Platinum, Magikarp lured by a Super Rod range in levels anywhere from level 1 to 100.
• Even though Magikarp is said to be the weakest Pokémon in existence, there are seven Pokémon weaker than it and one equal to it in terms of base stat average.
• Magikarp takes the shortest time to hatch out of all Pokémon that can be legitimately hatched, with 6 Egg cycles.
• Magikarp is the only Pokémon that can learn attacking moves but cannot get STAB on any of them. This does not include Bubble, which was available via an event in Generation II only.
• From Generation III onward, Magikarp is the only Water-type Pokémon that cannot learn any Water-type moves, not even status moves.
• Magikarp is one of four Water types that cannot learn Surf (the others being Wingull, Surskit, and Wash Rotom*)
• Magikarp was the first Pokémon featured in Professor Oak's lecture.
• Magikarp and its evolution's Egg Group combination (Water 2 and Dragon) is unique.
• Magikarp is one of fourteen Pokémon that one could collect foreign Pokédex entries for in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
• Magikarp shares the same species name with Feebas. They are both known as Fish Pokémon.
• Every one of Magikarp's Pokédex entries talks about either its lack of strength, its tendency to Splash, or both.
• Magikarp's FireRed Pokédex entry remarks on its lack of power and speed. While the power part is true, Magikarp in fact sports a base 80 Speed stat, making it quite fast.
• The Pokédex entries for Magikarp in Gold and HeartGold and Platinum contradict each other; Gold and HeartGold say that Magikarp never jumps more than seven feet, whereas Platinum version states that it may jump over a mountain after living many years.
• Together with Pichu, Rattata, and Seedot, Magikarp is the easiest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon Ranger, with only one loop necessary.
• Magikarp is one of the most common Pokémon in the game, found everywhere it is possible to fish (except in Unova, where it is not found in the wild at all, though is obtainable through the Magikarp Salesman).
• Magikarp is one of the only Pokémon that is obtainable in almost every main-series game, including expansion games and remakes. However, it is not obtainable in the Japanese version of Pokémon Blue.
• Both of Magikarp's Abilities raise its Speed in certain situations.
• In Generation III, Magikarp could not damage Ghost types due to its only moves being Normal-type; in Generation II it learned Bubble from an event, which could be traded back to Generation I; in Generation IV and Generation V it learns Bounce from a Move Tutor and when derived from the Sparkling Sea.
• Magikarp appears in every regional Pokédex except the Unova Pokédex.

Origin

Magikarp is based on a legend about how carp that leapt 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. Magikarp may also be based on Asian carps, which are easily frightened by disturbances in water and can jump 8–10 feet in the air.

Name origin

Magikarp's name is a combination of magic and carp, possibly mocking the Magikarp as a species, as someone with 'magic' powers is generally thought to be quite powerful, which Magikarp is not (though carp are said to be able to transform into dragons, which is magical in its own way). It may also the combination of Magi (the three kings from the story of the Nativity) and carp.

Koiking is a combination of 鯉 koi (carp) and king, giving its name an ironic slant similar to its English name.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese コイキング Koiking From koi and king French Magicarpe From magique and carpe Spanish Magikarp Same as English name German Karpador From Karpfen Italian Magikarp Same as English name Korean 잉어킹 Ingeoking From ingeo and king Mandarin Chinese 鯉魚王 / 鲤鱼王 Lǐyúwáng Literally "Carp king" Cantonese Chinese 鯉魚王 Léihyùhwohng Literally "Carp king"

More languages Brazilian Portuguese Magicarpa From mágica and carpa

Related articles

• Magikarp salesman
• Magikarp salesman's Magikarp

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

← #128: Tauros

Pokémon

#130: Gyarados →

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