Magikarp (Pokémon)

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Tauros #128: Tauros
Pokémon
#130: Gyarados 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
129Magikarp.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type
Water '
Category
Fish Pokémon
Abilities
Swift Swim Jitter
Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#129
Johto
#076
Hoenn
#052
Sinnoh
#023
Regional Browser numbers
Fiore
R-124
Height
2'11"
Imperial
0.9 m
Metric
Weight
22.0 lbs.
Imperial
10.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Red
Catch rate
255 (33.3%)
Body style
Body03.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F129.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
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*

Magikarp (Japanese: コイキング Koiking) is a Template:Type2 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 which are both yellow. It also has long yellow barbels.

Gender differences

A female has white barbels and a male has tan ones. The male also has a slightly bigger light band on its forehead compared to the female, suggesting it is slightly larger.

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. For no reason, it jumps and splashes about making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.

Habitat

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.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

A giant Magikarp in the anime

Major appearances

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.

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.

Team Rocket used a Magikarp-shaped submarine during the Orange Islands.

Several Magikarp appeared in Poké Ball Peril swimming along with Team Rocket's Magikarp-shaped submarine.

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

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!.

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

Pokémon Adventures

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

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 then 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 ながねん いきた コイキングは はねるだけで やまをも こえるが わざのいりょくは よわいまま。
White
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, and Route 6, Route 10, Route 11, Route 12, Route 13, Route 17, Route 18, Route 19, Route 20, Route 21, Route 22, Route 23, Route 24, and Route 25 with Old Rod, Routes Route 12, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 18 and Fuchsia City with Super Rod, buy from Magikarp salesman 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, and Routes Route 6, Route 10, Route 11, Route 12, Route 13, Route 17, Route 18, Route 19, Route 20, Route 21, Route 22, Route 23, Route 24, and Route 25 with Old Rod, Fuchsia City and Safari Zone with Super Rod, buy from Magikarp salesman on Route 4
Generation II
Gold Silver
Common Fish with Old or Good Rod, Surfing in Lake of Rage
Crystal
Common Fish with Old or Good Rod, Surfing in 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
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)
Fish with Super Rod (Resort Area)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Common Fish with Old or Good Rod
Pal Park
Pond
Pokéwalker
Warm Beach, Stormy Beach, and Winner's Path
Generation V
Black White
One Buy from Magikarp salesman for $500
Black 2 White 2
None Trade
Dream World
None
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
Fuchia 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 Mountain Range
Pokémon Rumble Bright Beach
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Meadow Zone

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.

Held items

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

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 V, 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
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
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 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • 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 Special 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

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 Pin129.png Pinani129.png 
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
 PinRS129.png PinRSani129.png 
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani129.png 
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
MDP E 129.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.2%
IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Water  Poké Assist: Water PA.png
( 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
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
PPW129.png 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
None.png Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}}
PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Magikarp
Unevolved
Magikarp
 Water 
Rare Candy
Level 20


Gyarados
First evolution
Gyarados
 Water  Flying 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 129.png Spr 1y 129.png Spr 1g 129.png Spr b g1 129.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 129.png Spr 2s 129.png Spr 2c 129.png Spr b 2g 129.png
Spr 2g 129 s.png Spr 2s 129 s.png Spr 2c 129 s.png Spr b 2g 129 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 129.png Spr 3e 129.png Spr 3f 129.png Spr b 3r 129.png
Spr 3r 129 s.png Spr 3e 129 s.png Spr 3f 129 s.png Spr b 3r 129 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 129 m.png Spr 4p 129 m.png Spr 4h 129 m.png Spr b 4d 129 m.png
Spr 4d 129 f.png Spr 4p 129 f.png Spr 4h 129 f.png Spr b 4d 129 f.png
Spr 4d 129 m s.png Spr 4p 129 m s.png Spr 4h 129 m s.png Spr b 4d 129 m s.png
Spr 4d 129 f s.png Spr 4p 129 f s.png Spr 4h 129 f s.png Spr b 4d 129 f s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 129 m.png Spr 5b2 129 m.png Spr b 5b 129 m.png
Spr 5b 129 f.png Spr 5b2 129 f.png Spr b 5b 129 f.png
Spr 5b 129 m s.png Spr 5b2 129 m s.png Spr b 5b 129 m s.png
Spr 5b 129 f s.png Spr 5b2 129 f s.png Spr b 5b 129 f s.png
Magikarp For other sprites and images, please see Magikarp images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

  • As of Pokémon Platinum, Magikarp is tied at the lowest (with Regigigas), and ironically, the highest level non-glitch Pokémon available for capture at level 1 and 100, beating out even the level 80 Arceus for highest. It is only available in a pond in the Resort Area with a Super Rod in Platinum, where only Magikarp can be caught and range in levels anywhere from level 1 to 100.
  • Magikarp, as well as Gyarados, has been in all Japan-centric regional Pokédexes.
  • 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.
  • Magikarp is one of three Template:Type2s that cannot learn Surf (the others being Surskit and Wingull), as well as the only Water-type that cannot learn any Ice-type or Water-type moves.
  • Magikarp was the first Pokémon featured in Professor Oak's lecture.
  • As of Generation V, Magikarp and its evolution's egg group (Water 2 and Dragon) are 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.
  • Even though it's listed as a freshwater Pokémon, Magikarp are found in oceans as well.
  • 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. However, the Platinum entry specifies using Splash, while HeartGold is referring to it jumping without aid.
  • Magikarp is the only Pokémon that can learn attacking moves but can't get STAB on any of them, apart from Bubble, which it cannot learn naturally.
  • Platinum is the only game where Magikarp's sprite features its mouth closed.
  • Together with Pichu and Seedot, Magikarp is the easiest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon Ranger, with only one loop necessary.
  • Even though Magikarp can't learn Bubble, it still uses it in My Pokémon Ranch.
    • However, Magikarp given away at the New York City Pokémon Center in the Generation II games had Bubble in its arsenal.
  • 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).
  • Both of Magikarp's abilities raise its speed stat.

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 (this may be mocking the Magikarp as a species, as someone with 'magic' powers is generally thought to be quite powerful, which Magikarp is not). It may also the combination of Magi, the three kings from the story of the Nativity, and carp. Its Japanese name is a combination of 鯉 koi, carp, and the English word king, giving its name an ironic slant similar to its English name.

In other languages

  • German: Karpador - From Karpfen (carp).
  • French: Magicarpe
  • Korean: 잉어킹 Ingeoking - From ingeo (koi) and king.
  • Chinese (Taiwan): 鯉魚王 Lǐ Yú Wáng - "Carp king".
  • Brazilian Portuguese (anime only): Magicarpa

Related articles

External links

Notes


Tauros #128: Tauros
Pokémon
#130: Gyarados Gyarados
Project Pokédex logo.png This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.