Ninetales (Pokémon)

Ninetales キュウコン Kyukon
Artwork from FR/LG
Type	Fire
Species	Fox Pokémon
National Dex	#038
Johto Dex	#126
Hoenn Dex	#154
Sinnoh Dex	#—
Fiore Browser	R—
Almia Browser	R-172
Height	3′07″ (1.1m)
Weight	43.9 lbs. (19.9kg)
Ability	Flash Fire
Egg group	Ground
Time to hatch	5,120 steps
Effort yield	1 SpD, 1 Spd
Exp. yield	178 base exp.
Lv. 100 at	1,000,000 exp.
Gender	75% ♀/25% ♂
Pokédex color	Yellow
Catch rate	75
Body style
On Legendary Pokémon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV On Pokémon Palace Network Pokédex (Gen. I-III) On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV On Eevee's Pokédex (Gen. I-IV) On Psypoke Pokédex On Pokecharms Pokédex (Gen. III-IV) On Marriland Pokédex (Gen. IV) On Serebii's Pokédex: Generation I/II Generation III Generation IV On Azure Heights Pokédex (Gen. I) On Pokémon Dungeon Pokédex (Gen. I-II) On Ultimate Pokémon Center Pokédex (Gen. I-IV) Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Ninetales (Japanese: キュウコン Kyukon) is a Fire-type Pokémon.

Contents 1 Biology 1.1 Physiology 1.1.1 Gender differences 1.1.2 Special abilities 1.2 Behavior 1.3 Habitat 1.4 Diet 2 In the anime 3 In the manga 4 In the TCG 5 Game data 5.1 NPC appearances 5.2 Pokédex entries 5.3 Game locations 5.3.1 In side games 5.4 Base stats 5.5 Type effectiveness 5.6 Learnset 5.6.1 By leveling up 5.6.2 By TM/HM 5.6.3 By breeding 5.6.4 By tutoring 5.7 Side game data 5.8 Evolution 5.9 Sprites 6 Trivia 6.1 Origin 6.1.1 Name origin 7 In other languages 8 External links

Biology

Physiology

This fox-like Pokémon is covered with a thick, luxurious white fur, as well as having nine tails, each of which is tipped with orange. They also have a fluffy crest atop their heads and a similar ruff around their necks. Ninetales have gleaming red eyes that are said to give them the power of mind control. They can also live up to one thousand years.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Ninetales are based on the kitsune of Japanese mythology, giving them abilities to wield Ghost-type attacks such as Confuse Ray. They are also very vengeful Pokémon and have been known to curse those who mistreat them. Ninetales are highly intelligent Pokémon that understand human speech. Many legends surround this Pokémon, one of which stating that Ninetales was born when 9 saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon. Ninetales also always come with the ability Flash Fire.

Behavior

This Pokémon's extreme intelligence lends to what most consider Psychic-type characteristics, though Ninetales has never officially been described as anything other than a Fire-type. It also seems to hold grudges very easily and will curse humans and Pokémon alike if they touch one of its tails.

Habitat

Ninetales can be found in grassy plains or in mountainous areas with lots of shade, but they are very rare.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Ninetales was first seen in Riddle Me This. The Cinnabar Island Gym Leader, Blaine, used it against Ash in their first Gym battle.

Ninetales was one of the Pokémon that were captured and cloned by Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

A Ninetales made a cameo appearance in Misty Meets Her Match. This Ninetales belonged to Rudy.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a friend of Suzy named Zane had a Ninetales and used it in a Pokémon breeding contest.

In Just Waiting On A Friend, a very old Ninetales befriended Brock, who bore a resemblance to her long lost master. This Ninetales created all sorts of illusions, including one of a woman in which it spoke human through.

Ninetales also had a cameo during the opening credits of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, taking part in the festival honoring Sir Aaron.

A Ninetales appeared in a flashback in Mutiny in the Bounty! as one of J's captured Pokémon.

In the manga

In Pokémon Special, Red and Green both tried catching the same Ninetales. In the scuffle for its Poké Ball, Green managed to grab it first. Magma Admin Courtney uses a Ninetales as her main battler.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, the curse that Ninetales can conjure is one of the main points of the plot.

In the TCG

Main article: Ninetales (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ninetales cast a curse on a human that would turn it into a Pokémon, bringing on many natural disasters. The player is blamed for this and travels to the home of Ninetales at the top of Mt. Freeze to learn the truth.

Pokédex entries

Gen	Game	Pokédex entry
I	Red	Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
	Blue
	Yellow	According to an enduring legend, 9 noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
	Stadium	It is extremely vindictive. It is said to lay a 1,000-year long curse if its tail is pulled as a joke.
II	Gold	Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power.
	Silver	Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
	Crystal	It is said to live a thousand years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
	Stadium 2	Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power.
III	Ruby	Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years.
	Sapphire	Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent - it can understand human speech.
	Emerald	It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived Ninetales will have fur that shines like gold.
	FireRed	It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
	LeafGreen	Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
IV	Diamond	Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
	Pearl	Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.

Game locations

Gen	Game	Rarity	Location
I	Pokémon Red and Blue	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pokémon Yellow	None	Evolve Vulpix
II	Pokémon Gold and Silver	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pokémon Crystal	None	Trade
III	Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pokémon Emerald	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pokémon Colosseum	None	Trade
	Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness	None	Evolve Vulpix
IV	Pokémon Diamond and Pearl	None	Evolve Vulpix
	Pal Park		Field

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Evolve from Vulpix
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 6 Endless Level 11 Forever Level 55 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (Red and Blue)	Evolve from Vulpix
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (Time and Darkness)	Treeshroud Forest (10F-20F)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Almia Castle

Base stats

HP:	73
Attack:	76
Defense:	75
Special:	100
SpAtk:	81
SpDef:	100
Speed:	100

The Special stat was used only in Generation I; it was later split into Special Attack and Special Defense.

Type effectiveness

Weak to	Resistant to	Immune to	Normal effectiveness
Ground : 2×  Rock : 2×  Water : 2×	Bug : ½×  Steel : ½×  Grass : ½×  Ice : ½×	Fire : 0×	Normal : 1×  Fighting : 1×  Flying : 1×  Poison : 1×  Ghost : 1×  Electric : 1×  Psychic : 1×  Dragon : 1×  Dark : 1×
Notes: In Generations I and II, and if Skill Swap or Gastro Acid is used, or if the opponent has Mold Breaker, the effectiveness of  Fire-type  moves is ½×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Ice-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

Ninetales is capable of learning the following moves (from its evolution onwards):
NOTE: Moves in bold are damage moves to which STAB apply.

By leveling up

Generation I Level Move Type Previous Tail Whip Ember

Generation II Level Move Type Previous Tail Whip Ember 43 Fire Spin

Generation III Level Move Type Previous Quick Attack Confuse Ray Safeguard Ember 45 Fire Spin

Generation IV Level Move Type Cat. Previous Quick Attack Confuse Ray Safeguard Ember Nasty Plot

By TM/HM

Generation I # Move Type TM06 Toxic TM08 Body Slam TM09 Take Down TM10 Double-Edge TM15 Hyper Beam TM20 Rage TM28 Dig TM31 Mimic TM32 Double Team TM33 Reflect TM34 Bide TM38 Fire Blast TM39 Swift TM40 Skull Bash TM44 Rest TM50 Substitute

Generation II # Move Type TM02 Headbutt TM03 Curse TM05 Roar TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM15 Hyper Beam TM13 Snore TM17 Protect TM20 Endure TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM27 Return TM28 Dig TM32 Double Team TM34 Swagger TM35 Sleep Talk TM38 Fire Blast TM39 Swift TM44 Rest TM45 Attract

Generation III # Move Type TM05 Roar TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM15 Hyper Beam TM17 Protect TM20 Safeguard TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM27 Return TM28 Dig TM32 Double Team TM35 Flamethrower TM38 Fire Blast TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract TM50 Overheat

Generation IV # Move Type Cat. TM05 Roar TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM11 Sunny Day TM15 Hyper Beam TM17 Protect TM20 Safeguard TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM27 Return TM28 Dig TM32 Double Team TM35 Flamethrower TM38 Fire Blast TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract TM50 Overheat TM56 Fling TM58 Endure TM61 Will-O-Wisp TM66 Payback TM68 Giga Impact TM77 Psych Up TM78 Captivate TM79 Dark Pulse TM82 Sleep Talk TM83 Natural Gift TM87 Swagger TM90 Substitute

By breeding

Move	Type	Cat.	Father
Disable			Psyduck, Golduck
Energy Ball			Girafarig** Stantler** Seedot**, Nuzleaf**, Shiftry** Grumpig** Leafeon**
Extrasensory			Vulpix Nuzleaf, Shiftry
Faint Attack			Meowth, Persian Houndour, Houndoom Umbreon Sneasel Teddiursa, Ursaring Nuzleaf, Shiftry Slakoth, Slaking Skitty Mawile Spinda Kecleon Glameow, Purugly Weavile
Flare Blitz			Growlithe Ponyta, Rapidash Combusken, Blaziken Monferno, Infernape
Flail			Phanpy, Donphan Zigzagoon, Linoone Slakoth, Slaking Torkoal Spinda
Heat Wave			Growlithe Torkoal
Howl			Houndour, Houndoom Whismur, Loudred, Exploud Electrike, Manectric
Hypnosis			Stantler Spinda Glameow, Purugly
Psych Up			Vulpix**,Ninetales** Psyduck, Golduck Farfetch'd** Espeon Umbreon** Girafarig** Dunsparce** Sneasel** Stantler** Nuzleaf**, Shiftry** Skitty**, Delcatty** Spoink, Grumpig Spinda Kecleon** Glameow**, Purugly** Weavile**
Spite			Dunsparce
*Indicates moves only available through chain breeding.
**Father needs to learn this move through TM.

By tutoring

In Pokémon Crystal Only:

• Flamethrower

In Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald:

• Body Slam
• Double-Edge
• Mimic
• Substitute

In Pokémon Emerald Only:

• Endure
• Sleep Talk
• Snore
• Swagger
• Swift

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
	Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
	Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
	Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Body size: 1	Recruit Rate: Evolve	Friend Area: Darkness Ridge
Phrases
51%-100% HP	Feel privileged to see the 1,000-year knowledge of our clan!
26%-50% HP	This won't do. I've only half my health remaining.
1%-25% HP	My eyes grow dim... Is this how our 1,000-year legacy ends?
Level Up	Rejoice! My level has gone up!
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:	Poké Assist:	Field Move: Burn x4

Evolution

Unevolved Base form Vulpix  Fire

Fire Stone First evolution Ninetales  Fire

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow	Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal			Back
			Image:Spr 2c 038.gif
			Image:Spr 2c 038 s.gif
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald	FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
				Image:Spr 3f 038.png
			Image:Spr 3e 038 s.gif	Image:Spr 3f 038 s.png
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum			Back
			Image:Spr 4p 038.png
			Image:Spr 4p 038 s.png

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

Trivia

• Ninetales's name was originally spelled as "Nine Tales".
• Ninetales is a very intelligent Pokémon, and can understand human speech.
• Ninetales's name is misspelled as "Ninetails" in the Pokémon TCG Game for the Game Boy Color.
• Ninetales can be seen as a parallel to Arcanine. Both of them are Generation I Pokémon whose only evolutionary event utilizes a Fire Stone from their unevolved forms. Ninetales is exclusive to Pokémon LeafGreen while Arcanine is to Pokémon FireRed, Arcanine has a 75% chance of being male while Ninetales has a 75% of being female, and they are both in the Ground egg group. Additionally, both can have Flash Fire as their ability.

Origin

Ninetales, like Vulpix, are based on foxes. However, in Japan there are certain legends concerning foxes, or kitsune, as they are known there. One such legend which relates to Ninetales the most is how many-tailed foxes can breathe fire, create illusions, and have extremely long lifespans. After living a long time, these creatures take on spirit forms, which may be the reason why these two related Pokémon can learn Ghost-type moves.

In particular, Ninetales is based on the 九尾の狐, the nine-tailed fox, which is a fox of advanced age whose fur has turned silver-gold. It is said to have the power of infinite vision.

Name origin

Its name simply refers to the nine tails it has. Kyūkon can be taken to mean 旧恨, old grudge, although it is worth noting that the first syllable spells out 九 kyū, nine and kon from the Japanese onomatopoeia konkon - the sound that foxes make. Furthermore, a コンロ konro is a gas burner stove. Also, an alternate reading of the Japanese word for fox, 狐 kitsune, is ko.

In other languages

• German: Vulnona
• French: Feunard - Feu means fire, and renard means fox.
• Korean: 나인테일 Nainteil
• Chinese (Taiwan and Hong Kong): 九尾 Jio Wei ("nine tails")

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Cursed, the fanlisting for Ninetales

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