Poliwag (Pokémon)

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Arcanine #059: Arcanine
Pokémon
#061: Poliwhirl Poliwhirl
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwag (disambiguation).
Poliwag ニョロモ
Nyoromo
#060
Poliwag



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
255 (43.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Water 1
Hatch time
21 cycles
Height
2'00" 0.6 m
Poliwag
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
27.3 lbs. 12.4 kg
Poliwag
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
77
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
60
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Slow
EV yield
Total: 1
Poliwag
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
Body07.png
Footprint
F060.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Blue
Base friendship
70
External Links

Poliwag (Japanese: ニョロモ Nyoromo) is a Water-type Pokémon.

It evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or into Politoed when traded holding a King's Rock.

Biology

Poliwag resembles a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which are actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl looks clearer after it eats, and the skin is very elastic so that it will not break if the Pokémon is bitten. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area, with the equator being thought to have an effect on this. It has newly developed legs that still are not used to walking, but no arms. Its long, mostly transparent tail makes it a powerful swimmer. Because of its ineptitude on land, Poliwag is more likely to be found swimming in small freshwater ponds and lakes. In the anime, Poliwag feeds on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.

In the anime

File:Hiroshi Kanto Poliwag.png
Poliwag in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwag

Misty had a Poliwag that eventually evolved into a Poliwhirl and then a Politoed.

Other

One of the Pokémon used at the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School was a Poliwag. Max used it in a battle. It helped defeat Team Rocket later on.

A Poliwag also made an appearance in Like It Or Lup It!.

Minor appearances

Poliwag first appeared in Primeape Goes Bananas.

Poliwag also appeared in the banned episode EP035.

A Poliwag appeared in A Chansey Operation and The Breeding Center Secret.

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

Poliwag also appeared in Pallet Party Panic, at a party among other Pokémon.

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

A Poliwag appeared in Marina's fantasy in Bye Bye Psyduck.

A Poliwag under the ownership of an unnamed Trainer was treated by Nurse Joy in The Joy of Pokémon.

Multiple Poliwag also appeared in The Power of One and Pokémon Heroes.

Four Poliwag were among the Pokémon competing in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix in The Fire-ing Squad!.

A Poliwag was one of the inhabitants of an oasis just for Pokémon in Got Miltank?.

A Poliwag was seen in Octillery The Outcast, under the ownership of an unknown Trainer.

A Poliwag made a brief appearance in Dueling Heroes.

A Poliwag was seen at a Pokémon Center in The Legend of Thunder!.

Lola has a Poliwag as seen in A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!. In that episode, Flint revealed that the reason he had fallen in love with Lola was the precision of her Poliwag's Hydro Pump against his Graveler, now a Golem.

A Poliwag appeared in The Saffron Con as a Pokémon owned by a Coordinator.

A Poliwag appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!, and another in Up Close and Personable!.

Multiple Poliwag were owned by a family of traveling circus performers in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

A Poliwag also appeared in One Big Happiny Family! in Jessie's fantasy.

A Poliwag appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

Multiple Poliwag made a brief appearance in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

A Poliwag made a very brief appearance in League Unleashed!.

A Poliwag appeared in The Dream Continues!.

A Poliwag appeared in a flashback in Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP110 Poliwag Ash's Pokédex Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer.

In the manga

Poliwag in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Poli
Main article: Polibo

Poliwag makes a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Danger: High Voltorb, a flashback shows Red's Poliwhirl, Poli, as a Poliwag. It has since evolved into Poliwrath.

Gold has a Poliwag in Murkrow Row, one of the many Pokémon raised in the house he lived in. It was lost when Team Rocket stole Gold's backpack and its Poké Ball was lost when fell into the water. Gold eventually retrieved Poliwag at the Famous Fishing Zone from a wild Granbull that was stealing to draw attention so that it could get its jaw healed. It evolved into Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore and then evolved straight into Politoed utilizing a trade with its held King's Rock.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

Shū has a Poliwag in the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty is shown with a Poliwag in Clefairy Tale. It later evolved into a Poliwhirl.

In the Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire manga

Ruby has a Poliwag at his house as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwag (TCG)

In the TFG

One Poliwag figure has been released.

Game data

NPC appearances

  • Pokémon Pinball: A Poliwag appears on the Blue Table, and earns the player points when it is hit.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Blue
Yellow The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Stadium The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.
Generation II
Gold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Silver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Crystal The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats.
Stadium 2 Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Generation III
Ruby Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Sapphire
Emerald It is possible to see this Pokémon's spiral innards right through its thin skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
FireRed Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
LeafGreen Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Generation IV
Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
SoulSilver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Generation V
Black Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White
Black 2 Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White 2
Generation VI
X Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
Y The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.


Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod)
Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 (Super Rod)
Blue (Japan)
Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod)
Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 with (Super Rod)
Trade for Rattata on Route 5
Yellow
Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod)
Viridian City and Routes 22 and 23 (Super Rod)
Generation II
Gold Silver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing)
Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Crystal
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing)
Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Routes 22, 30, 31, 44 (tall grassNight)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
Fuchsia City, Berry Forest and Safari Zone (Good Rod)
Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave and Ruin Valley (Good/Super Rod)
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 225 (Good Rod)
Routes 227 and 228 (surfing)
Platinum
Routes 227 and 228 (surfing)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (fishing and surfing)
Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Cliff Edge Gate (Good/Super Rod)
Cerulean Cave (Old/Good Rod)
Safari Zone
Pal Park
Pond
Pokéwalker
Beautiful Beach and Blue Lake
Generation V
Black White
Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod)
Black 2 White 2
Routes 6, 19, 20, 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod)
Dream World
Pleasant Forest
Generation VI
X Y
Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, Route 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod)
Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter)


In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Snap River
Pokémon Channel Secret Cove
Pokémon Pinball Pallet Town
Viridian City
Pokémon Trozei! Phobos Submarine
Endless Level 22
Pair Trozei
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Silent Chasm (5F-9F)
Northwind Field (1F-4F)
Waterfall Pond (1F-5F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Waterfall Cave (B1-B8)
Serenity River (B1-B7)
Pokémon Ranger Krokka Tunnel
Pokémon Rumble Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast Lake: Everspring Valley

In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Growth Poliwag English United States 5 June 8 to 21, 2002
Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Lovely Kiss Poliwag English United States 5 February 7 to 13, 2003
Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Sweet Kiss Poliwag English United States 5 February 7 to 13, 2003
FRLG Egg Pokémon Present Poliwag Japanese Japan 5 March 21 to April 4, 2004

Held items

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
40
100 - 147 190 - 284
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
Total:
300
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 40.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
3/4 ★★★
Power
1/2
Skill
2/3 ★★
Stamina
3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump
2/4 ★★☆☆
Total
11/18 ★★


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 VI
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
00Start Water Sport Water Status 0000 —% 15
055 Bubble Water Special 04040 100100% 30
088 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000 06060% 20
1111 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25
1515 Double Slap Normal Physical 01515 08585% 10
1818 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —% 5
2121 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15
2525 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20
2828 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15
3131 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000 —% 10
3535 Wake-Up Slap Fighting Physical 07070 100100% 10
3838 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5
4141 Mud Bomb Ground Special 06565 08585% 10
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation VI
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ice Sprite.png TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM55 Scald Water Special 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM03 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
Bag HM Water Sprite.png HM05 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VI
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Poliwag can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Poliwag cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Poliwag
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Rollout Poliwag (Neo Discovery 62)
Poliwag (Expedition 125)
Tackle Poliwag (Legends Awakened 114)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 Pin060.png Pinani060.png 
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani060.png 
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
File:MDP RT 060.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 8.1%
Friend Area: Tadpole Pond
Phrases
51%-100% HP It's easier for me in the water!
26%-50% HP I only have half my HP left...
1%-25% HP No more, please... I'm nearly fainting... Help...
Level up Yippee! I leveled up! I'm so happy!
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 Yippee! I leveled up! I'm so happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 060.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 6.4%
IQ group: F
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Water  Poké Assist: Water PA.png
( Water )
Field move: Soak fm.png
(Soak ×1)
Loops: 4 Min. exp.: 20 Max. exp.: 30
Browser entry  
If Poliwag spots a Ranger, it becomes startled and dives underwater.
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.
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack
Defense
Speed ●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
None.png PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
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

Poliwag
Unevolved
Poliwag
 Water 
Rare Candy
Level 25


Poliwhirl
First evolution
Poliwhirl
 Water 
Water Stone
Water Stone


Poliwrath
Second evolution
Poliwrath
 Water  Fighting 
King's Rock
Trade
holding King's Rock


Politoed
Second evolution
Politoed
 Water 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
Spr 1b 060.png Spr 1y 060.png Spr 1g 060.png Spr b g1 060.png
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 060.png Spr 2s 060.png Spr 2c 060.png Spr b 2g 060.png
Spr 2g 060 s.png Spr 2s 060 s.png Spr 2c 060 s.png Spr b 2g 060 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 060.png Spr 3e 060.png Spr 3f 060.png Spr b 3r 060.png
Spr 3r 060 s.png Spr 3e 060 s.png Spr 3f 060 s.png Spr b 3r 060 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 060.png Spr 4p 060.png Spr 4h 060.png Spr b 4d 060.png
Spr 4d 060 s.png Spr 4p 060 s.png Spr 4h 060 s.png Spr b 4d 060 s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 060.png Spr 5b2 060.png Spr b 5b 060.png
Spr 5b 060 s.png Spr 5b2 060 s.png Spr b 5b 060 s.png
Poliwag For other sprites and images, please see Poliwag images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Other sprites

Spr b 2c 060.png Spr b 3f 060.pngSpr b 3f 060 s.png
Crystal back FireRed/LeafGreen back

Trivia

  • Poliwag is the favorite Pokémon of Satoshi Tajiri.
  • In its FireRed Pokédex entry, it is stated Poliwag has black skin. The Ruby and Sapphire Pokédex entry for Poliwhirl states that Poliwhirl's skin is covered in oily fluid - if the same applies to Poliwag, it might be a case similar to the common bilberry: the berry itself is black but covered in a wax-like coating that makes it look blue.
  • In The Official Pokémon Handbook, published by Scholastic, the back cover says "Did you know that the swirls on Poliwhirl's stomach changes direction when it evolves into Poliwag?" However, Poliwhirl evolves from, not into, Poliwag.
  • Generation V changed Poliwag's base Experience yield from 77 to 60, making it the only Pokémon whose base Experience yield is the same as its National Dex number.
  • Poliwag shares its species name with Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.
  • Prior to Generation VI, Poliwag and Ditto had the same cry.
  • A prototype design of Poliwag was shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website.

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin.

Name origin

Poliwag is a corruption of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole). Wag may refer to its long tail, although it is worth noting that polliwog literally means "head-wiggle."

Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering) and 子供 kodomo (child).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese ニョロモ Nyoromo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 子供 kodomo
France Flag.png French Ptitard From petit and têtard
Spain Flag.png Spanish Poliwag Same as English name
Germany Flag.png German Quapsel From Kaulquappe
Italy Flag.png Italian Poliwag Same as English name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 발챙이 Balchaeng'i From bal and 올챙이 olchaeng'i
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Wénxiāngkēdǒu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Mānhēungfōdáu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪



Related articles

External links

Notes


Arcanine #059: Arcanine
Pokémon
#061: Poliwhirl Poliwhirl


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.