Charmander
ヒトカゲ Hitokage
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Artwork from FR/LG
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| EV yield
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HP
0
| Atk
0
| Def
0
| Sp.Atk
0
| Sp.Def
0
| Speed
1
| Exp.
65
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Charmander (Japanese: ヒトカゲ Hitokage) is a Fire-type Pokémon.
It evolves into Charmeleon starting at level 16, who evolves into Charizard at level 36.
Along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle, it is one of three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen.
Biology
Physiology
Charmander is a reptilian creature resembling a bipedal salamander with some dinosaur qualities. Its most notable feature is the flame burning on the tip of its tail, which is there even at birth. It is said that if this flame goes out, the Pokémon dies, although this has never happened in the anime, manga, or video games.
Despite the small size of its claws and the cute look on its face, they should be regarded with caution, since even they are strong and sharp enough that a Charmander can learn to use Slash.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Charmander can breathe fire, which allows them to use a wide range of Fire-type attacks. However, the strength of these are very closely connected to the strength and health of the Charmander, since it draws on the life force which fuels the flame on its tail to fuel the flames of its attacks. With time, it can learn powerful Fire-type techniques like Flamethrower and Fire Blast. It can even learn to breathe the blue flames of Dragon Rage. It can also use the flame on its tail to attack by swinging it about. However, these attacks are usually weaker than those from the flames Charmander breathes.
Behavior
Charmander is easily the most mild-mannered of its evolution line. Its health and emotions can be easily read by paying attention to the flame on the tip of its tail. For example, if the flame grows suddenly, the Charmander is probably angered, and perhaps even using a Rage attack. It is scarce in the wild. Most are domestic Pokémon, raised to be distributed as starters by Professor Oak. As such, they are regarded as well-behaved Pokémon. It is often regarded as the most difficult Pokémon to start with because it has a disadvantage against the first two Gym Leaders in Kanto (Brock and Misty).
There are some who choose it anyway under the impression that it is stronger than Bulbasaur or Squirtle. However, while a Charmander can certainly grow to be a very powerful Pokémon, its strength in battle is very closely connected to its condition and health. Therefore, like a real fire, it must be tended to regularly and not strained or neglected. Most Trainers shouldn't have a problem with this, though impatient ones who expect it to be very strong right off the bat will have severe difficulty raising this Pokémon. A Trainer named Damian in Charmander the Stray Pokémon abandoned his completely because of this. They are also stubbornly loyal. In that same episode, Charmander wouldn't move from the rock, because Damian told it to wait. Ash had to carry it because it refused to move, even in the rain.
Habitat
Charmander is rarely found in the wild. Sometimes they can gather in extremely hot areas, such as active volcanoes. They can also thrive in craggy mountains or in rocky, heated crags and caves along the coast of the Sevii Islands. Their final evolution, Charizard, also inhabits the Charicific Valley or near mountain chains. However they are found far more often in the ownership of Trainers.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
Their diet is the usual omnivorous diet of a Pokémon. The few places where Charmander can be seen in the wild, they usually hunt and gather in small packs, and will call others over if any sort of food is found.
In the anime
Major appearances
In Charmander the Stray Pokémon, Ash, Misty, and Brock came across a Charmander which had been abandoned by its Trainer, Damian, who only cared about strong Pokémon. At first, Charmander refused to leave the spot it was at, waiting for Damian to return. However, when a rainstorm picked up, Charmander grew ill and Ash took it to a Pokémon Center. Charmander realized that Damian was no good, and joined up with Ash. It has since evolved into Charmeleon, and then Charizard.
Ritchie owned a Charmander named Zippo, which debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sometime before the Whirl Islands story arc, Zippo evolved into a Charmeleon.
Other
In Journey to the Starting Line, Gilbert was intended to start his journey as a Pokémon Trainer, but the trio of Kanto Starter Pokémon were scared off when Ash's Tauros stampeded through Professor Oak's house. Professor Oak, Tracey, Delia and Gilbert split up in order to find the three missing Pokémon. The Charmander was the first one to be found.
Charmander from the Team Go-Getters
A Charmander stars in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate! as the leader of Team Go-Getters.
Minor appearances
Charmander was mentioned in the first episode of the anime, Pokémon - I Choose You!, as one of the three starter Pokémon new Trainers in Pallet Town can choose from. Ash dreamed of owning one, although it was his last choice of a starter coming after Squirtle and Bulbasaur. However, when he arrived at Oak's lab, he found out it was too late, as another Trainer who started the same day had already taken it.
A Charmander was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.
Another Charmander was seen with Professor Oak in A Six Pack Attack! along with a Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Another was seen in The Right Place and The Right Mime, along with another Bulbasaur and Squirtle.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
| Pokémon
| Pokédex
| Entry
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| EP011
| Charmander
| Ash's Pokédex
| Charmander. A flame burns on the tip of its tail from birth. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out.
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| EP025
| Rage
| Ash's Pokédex
| Charmander's special attack, Rage. It gains more power the more it is attacked. It will continue to fight until its opponent falls.
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| This concludes the entries from the original series.
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In the manga
In Magical Pokémon Journey, the sickly Trainer Peanut has an abrasive Charmander who is always getting into fights with other Pokémon.
In Pokémon Zensho, Satoshi is given a Charmander as his starter Pokémon, while Shigeru chooses a Squirtle.
In the Pocket Monsters manga, Green (the rival) had a mischievous Charmander that goes along with whatever his Trainer wants him to do. It tends to be very antagonistic toward Red's Clefairy.
Ash's Charmander is shown once or twice in the Electric Tale of Pikachu. Oddly enough, it appears to be an entirely different Charmander than the one owned by Damian, as Damian and his Charmander were reunited.
Pokémon Adventures
Charmander debuted in the first round of the Red, Green & Blue chapter, A Glimpse of the Glow, as one of Blue's first Pokémon, likely received from his grandfather Professor Oak. It has since evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard, and is part of his Gym team.
In the TCG
- Main article: Charmander (TCG)
Game data
Pokédex entries
| Gen
| Game
| Pokédex entry
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| I
| Red
| Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
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| Blue
| Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
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| Yellow
| The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.
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| Stadium
| Even the newborns have flaming tails. Unfamiliar with fire, babies are said to accidentally burn themselves.
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| II
| Gold
| The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
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| Silver
| The flame on its tail indicates Charmander's life force. If it is healthy, the flame burns brightly.
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| Crystal
| If it's healthy, the flame on the tip of its tail will burn vigorously, even if it gets a bit wet.
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| Stadium 2
| The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
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| III
| Ruby
| The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely.
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| Sapphire
| The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely.
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| Emerald
| The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is happy, and blazes when it is enraged.
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| FireRed
| From the time it is born, a flame burns at the tip of its tail. Its life would end if the flame were to go out.
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| LeafGreen
| It has a preference for hot things. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
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| IV
| Diamond
| The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
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| Pearl
| The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
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| Platinum
| The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.
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| HeartGold
| The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
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| SoulSilver
| The flame on its tail indicates Charmander's life force. If it is healthy, the flame burns brightly.
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Game locations
In side games
Held items
Stats
Base stats
| Stat
| Range
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| At Lv. 50
| At Lv. 100
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| 99 - 146
| 188 - 282
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| 51 - 114
| 98 - 223
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| 43 - 104
| 81 - 203
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| 58 - 123
| 112 - 240
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| 49 - 112
| 94 - 218
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| 63 - 128
| 121 - 251
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 50.
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Pokéthlon stats
Type effectiveness
| Weak to
| Resistant to
| Immune to
| Normal effectiveness
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| Notes:
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Learnset
Charmander is capable of learning the following moves in Generation IV.
- Moves in bold are damaging moves to which STAB applies.
Moves in Italics aren't STAB for Charmander, but are for some/all evolutions.
Generation IV
Other generation learnsets: II - III
|
| Father
| Move
| Type
| Cat.
| Pwr.
| Acc.
| PP
| Contest
| Appeal
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Cranidos, Rampardos
Shieldon, Bastiodon
| AncientPower
| Rock
| Special
| 60
| 100%
| 5
| Tough
| 1 ♥
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Ekans, Arbok
Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking
| Beat Up*
| Dark
| Physical
| 10
| 100%
| 10
| Smart
| 2 ♥♥
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| Snorlax
| Belly Drum
| Normal
| Status
| —
| —%
| 10
| Cute
| 0
|
Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise
Ekans, Arbok
Gyarados
Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr
Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
Loudred, Exploud
Seviper
Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence
Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra
| Bite
| Dark
| Physical
| 60
| 100%
| 25
| Tough
| 3 ♥♥♥
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Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking
Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior
Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium
| Counter*HGSS
| Fighting
| Physical
| —
| 100%
| 20
| Tough
| 2 ♥♥
|
Arbok
Snorlax
Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr
Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
Exploud
Seviper
Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence
Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra
Garchomp
| Crunch
| Dark
| Physical
| 80
| 100%
| 15
| Tough
| 2 ♥♥
|
Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra
Gyarados
Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite
Altaria
| Dragon Dance
| Dragon
| Status
| —
| —%
| 20
| Cool
| 0
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Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite
Gible, Gabite, Garchomp
| Dragon Rush
| Dragon
| Physical
| 100
| 75%
| 10
| Cool
| 2 ♥♥
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| Charizard
| Flare Blitz
| Fire
| Physical
| 120
| 100%
| 15
| Smart
| 2 ♥♥
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| Aron, Lairon, Aggron
| Metal Claw
| Steel
| Physical
| 50
| 95%
| 35
| Cool
| 2 ♥♥
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| Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite
| Outrage
| Dragon
| Physical
| 120
| 100%
| 15
| Cool
| 2 ♥♥
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| Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
| Rock Slide
| Rock
| Physical
| 75
| 90%
| 10
| Tough
| 3 ♥♥♥
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Cubone, Marowak
Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior
| Swords Dance*
| Normal
| Status
| —
| —%
| 30
| Beauty
| 0
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Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB from an evolution of this Pokémon
*Indicates a move only available by chain breeding
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Side game data
Evolution
Sprites
Trivia
- In the film Austin Powers in Goldmember, in the scene where the 'Godzilla' moves about destroying everything, an actor in the foreground, wearing a Charmander suit, and another actor, in the background wearing a Pikachu suit, can be seen trying to move away from the ensuing chaos.
- Charmander is the first Fire-type Pokémon and the first single-type Pokémon in National Pokédex order.
- In the first generation, Charmander's "back" is depicted as having a small line of spikes. The spikes were not shown in the sprites of later generations. Charmander also had these spikes in the Pokémon Adventures manga, the spikes were larger and easier to see. The spikes were also seen on Kai Midorikawa's Charmander from the Pocket Monsters manga. This spike can also be seen on the Green Charmander sprite.
- Charmander appears in the fewest anime episodes of any Kanto starter Pokémon; it only appears when owned by Ash, Ritchie, and in numerous other minor appearances. The other two starters, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, have been owned by other main characters.
- In the US T.V show, Malcolm in the Middle, a Charmander doll can be seen sitting on the bed in some episodes, along with a Squirtle doll.
- Charmander is the tallest of the Fire-type starters.
- Charmander is the only Fire-type starter that is in the Monster egg group.
- It is possible that Charmander's tail flame may be more resilient than a regular flame, as it has withstood being frozen in Ice attacks and hit by Water-type attacks in the games without any adverse side-effects. Also, some Pokédex entries state Charmander's tail flame as "producing steam" when it rains, while a flame of the size of Charmander's tail would normally be put out by rain.
- Charmander and its evolution family are the only Pokémon who have flames as part of their bodies that do not go out naturally (with the Pokémon still being alive).
Origin
Charmander may have been partially inspired by the salamander, an amphibian bearing a slender body, short nose, and a long tail; it exhibits other physical lizard like characteristics. The salamander and Charmander themselves may have been inspired by the mythological creature of the same name, the salamander; fire-spirits who survive in extreme heat or flames, sometimes creatively rendered and interpreted to be in the shape of lizards.
Name origin
Charmander is a portmanteau of the words char, to burn, and salamander. Hitokage, on the other hand, comes from 火蜥蜴, which is also salamander. 火 hi and 蜥蜴 tokage separately means "fire lizard."
In other languages
| Language
| Name
| Meaning
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| German
| Glumanda
| Derived from Glut (ember, also the German translation for the move of the same name) and Salamander.
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| French
| Salamèche
| From Salamandre (salamander) and mèche (wick).
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| Korean
| 파이리 Fili
| Derived from the English words fire (파이어) and lizard (리자드).
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| Chinese (Hong Kong and Taiwan)
| 小火龍 Xiǎo Hǔo Lóng
| "Little fire dragon."
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Related articles
External links
Notes
( Fire )
(Burn ×1)
Body size: 1
(Burn ×1)
For other sprites and images, please see Charmander images on Bulbagarden Archives.
