Malamar (Pokémon)

2025-09-11T14:24:01Z

Mlum: /* Trivia */Relevant fact

{{PokémonPrevNext/Head|type=Dark|type2=Psychic}}
{{PokémonPrevNext/GO|species=Malamar}}
{{PokémonPrevNext/Pokémon|type=Dark|prevnum=0686|prev=Inkay|nextnum=0688|next=Binacle|round=none}}
{{PokémonPrevNext/Disambig|species=Malamar}}
|}
{{Pokémon Infobox
|name=Malamar
|jname=カラマネロ
|jtranslit=Karamanero
|tmname=Calamanero
|forme=2
|form2=Mega Malamar
|image2=0687Malamar-Mega ZA.png

|category=Overturning
|typebox=1
|type1=Dark
|type2=Psychic
|abilityn=d
|ability1=Contrary
|ability2=Suction Cups
|abilityd=Infiltrator
|ndex=0687
|height-ftin=4'11"
|height-m=1.5
|height-ftin2=9'06"
|height-m2=2.9
|weight-lbs=103.6
|weight-kg=47.0
|weight-lbs2=153.9
|weight-kg2=69.8
|egggroupn=2
|egggroup1=Water 1
|egggroup2=Water 2
|gendercode=127
|eggcycles=20
|evtotal=2
|evat=2
|lv100exp=1,000,000
|color=Blue
|catchrate=80
|expyield=169
|body=05
|pokefordex=malamar
|generation=6
|friendship=70
}}
'''Malamar''' ([[List of Japanese Pokémon names|Japanese]]: '''カラマネロ''' ''Calamanero'') is a dual-type {{2t|Dark|Psychic}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} introduced in [[Generation VI]].

It [[Evolution|evolves]] from {{p|Inkay}} starting at [[level]] 30 when leveled up while the game system is held upside-down; or, if playing on the [[Nintendo Switch 2]], while the Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached to the console upside-down.

Malamar will be able to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into '''Mega Malamar''' in the upcoming game {{g|Legends: Z-A}}.

==Biology==
[[File:MalamarXYPromo58.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Malamar under water]]
Malamar is an amphibious {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that resembles an upside-down squid. Several purple tentacles with bright blue undersides sprout from the top of its bluish-purple head. It has yellow eyes with black sclerae, a dark pink {{wp|cephalopod beak|beak-like mouth}}, and lighter purple eyelids. Its main body is dark purple and has six circular yellow lights on the front and back. There is also a yellow stripe of light nearly encircling its upper body. Covering its main body is a transparent {{wp|Mantle (mollusc)|mantle}} with two white fins on the bottom that function as legs. On each side of the mantle is a long tentacle with dark pink at the top and white, scythe-like fins at the ends. The edge of Malamar's fins are said to be extremely sharp and can be enhanced using {{m|Psycho Cut|psychic energy}} during battles.

Malamar possesses strong hypnotic powers, which are said to be the most powerful of any Pokémon. It induces hypnosis by flashing the lights on its body and performing certain hypnotic motions. It uses its hypnotic powers to lure in other Pokémon it deems prey, before ensnaring them in its tentacles and finishing them off with its digestive fluids. Malamar can also hypnotize people and control them to do its bidding; those under Malamar's control will lose their memories surrounding the event once the hypnosis wears off. Malamar's hypnotic powers are often used by people for nefarious deeds, and these powers are said to influence several history-changing events. As depicted in ''[[XY019|A Conspiracy to Conquer!]]'' and ''[[XY054|Facing the Grand Design!]]'', Malamar is shown to be very intelligent — reaching almost human levels — and it is capable of running devices designed and handled by humans.

Both the {{pkmn|animated series}} and the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] depict Malamar living near water or even under water. As shown in the {{aniseries|XY}} episode ''[[XY001|Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]'', Malamar uses its tentacles to propel itself, swimming "legs"-first.

Prior to [[Generation VIII]] and in [[Generation IX]], Malamar and its pre-evolved form, Inkay, were the [[Signature move|only known Pokémon]] capable of learning the move {{m|Topsy-Turvy}}.

===Forms===
[[File:Mega Malamar brain blast.png|thumb|left|250px|Mega Malamar can stimulate its brain to boost its psychic powers<ref name=ZAsite2/>]]
Malamar can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into Mega Malamar.

Mega Malamar's body grows to be thinner and taller, and its brain has become larger thanks to the power of Mega Evolution.<ref name=ZAsite>[https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/story-world/pokemon/mega-malamar Mega Malamar | Pokémon Legends: Z-A]</ref> The tentacles on its head all wrap around themselves, forming a brain-like shape. It has large shoulders that form the appearance of a popped collar, and under these shoulders are its two longer arm tentacles, which are roughly twice as long as its body. Mega Malamar moves around by levitating.

Mega Malamar exhibits luminescence in many parts of its body: the tentacles on its head have a bright blue glow, while its body emits a shifting rainbow as a result of its overflowing psychic power. The light on Mega Malamar's body further amplifies its hypnotic abilities. The tips of its arms also glow when Mega Malamar uses its hypnotic powers:<ref name=ZAsite/> the tip on its right arm glows green, while the tip on its left arm glows pink. Mega Malamar's tentacle arms allow it to sense the feelings of those around it.<ref name=ZAsite/>

Mega Malamar possesses greatly enhanced psychic powers, allowing it to go beyond simple hypnosis and overwrite the personalities and memories of its targets, making them act entirely different.<ref name=ZAsite/> Mega Malamar can further boost its psychic powers by sticking its arms into its head, stimulating its brain.<ref name=ZAsite2>(September 10, 2025). [https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/news/mega-malamar Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Vivid and Brightly Glowing: Get to Know Mega Malamar!] — Pokémon Official Website</ref> Highly intelligent, this Pokémon prefers to battle with efficiency, and uses its powerful intellect to calmly analyze the situation during battles. Mega Malamar's haughty personality makes it see others, including Pokémon Trainers, as pawns, and it may even hypnotize its own Trainer if it disagrees with their commands.<ref name=ZAsite/>

{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:80%"
|
{| style="background: #{{dark color}}; {{roundy|10px}} border: 3px solid #{{psychic color dark}}"
|-
| {{color2|000|Mega Evolution|Mega}} Malamar
|-
| style="{{roundy|96px}} border: 2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background: #{{dark color light}}; width:96px; height:96px"| [[File:0687Malamar-Mega ZA.png|100px]]
|}
|}

===Evolution===
Malamar evolves from {{p|Inkay}}.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to [[#Evolution data|Game data→Evolution data]].)
<div style="float:center; display:flex; flex-flow:row wrap;">{{evobox-2
|type1=Dark
|type2=Psychic
|no1=0686
|name1=Inkay
|type1-1=Dark
|type2-1=Psychic
|evo1=
|no2=0687
|name2=Malamar
|type1-2=Dark
|type2-2=Psychic}}</div>

==Game data==
===Pokédex entries===
{{Dex/Header|type=Dark|type2=Psychic}}
{{Dex/NA|gen=VI}}
{{Dex/Gen/2|gen=VI|reg1=Kalos|num1=011|label1=Coastal|reg2=Hoenn}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=X|t=FFF|entry=It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Y|t=FFF|entry=It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Omega Ruby|t=FFF|entry=It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|t=FFF|v=Alpha Sapphire|entry=It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.}}
|}
|}
{{Dex/Gen/2|gen=VII|reg1=Alola|num1=027|label1={{gameIcon|US}}{{gameIcon|UM}}:|reg2=Kanto}}
{{Dex/NE|[[Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon]], [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Ultra Sun|t=FFF|entry=When it comes to strong hypnosis, there's an endless number of people who utilize Malamar for their nefarious deeds.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Ultra Moon|t=FFF|entry=It flashes the pattern on its torso to control its prey and draw them in. The edges of its fins are supremely sharp.}}
|}
|}
{{Dex/Gen/4|gen=VIII|reg1=Galar|num1=291|reg2=Galar|num2=109|label2=Isle of Armor|reg3=Sinnoh|reg4=Hisui}}
{{Dex/NE|[[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl]], and [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus|Legends: Arceus]]}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Sword|t=FFF|entry=Gazing at its luminescent spots will quickly induce a hypnotic state, putting the observer under Malamar's control.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Shield|t=FFF|entry=It's said that Malamar's hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.}}
|}
|}
{{Dex/Gen/3|gen=IX|reg1=Paldea|reg2=Kitakami|reg3=Blueberry|num3=81}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Scarlet|t=FFF|entry=Its hypnotic powers are dangerously strong. Anyone who falls under Malamar’s control loses their memories surrounding the event.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Violet|t=FFF|entry=It flashes the luminescent spots on its body to hypnotize its opponents, gaining total control over them.}}
|}
|}
{{Dex/Footer}}
{|style="margin:auto; text-align:center; border:3px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background:#{{dark color}}; font-size:80%; border-radius: 10px"
|-
|style="{{roundy|20px}} border:2px solid #{{psychic color dark}}; background:#{{dark color light}}| [[File:Pokédex Image Malamar USUM.png|x200px]]
|style="border:2px solid #{{dark color light}}; background:#{{dark color light}} | [[File:Pokédex Image Malamar SV Blueberry.png|x200px]]
|-
| Malamar in the {{color2|000|List of Pokémon by Alola Pokédex number|Alola Pokédex}}<span class="whitelinks">{{sup/7|USUM}}</span>
| Malamar in the {{color2|000|List of Pokémon by Blueberry Pokédex number|Blueberry Pokédex}}
|-
|}

===Game locations===
{{Availability/Header|type=dark|type2=psychic}}
{{Availability/NA|gen=VI}}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VI}}
{{Availability/Entry2|v=X|v2=Y|t=FFF|t2=FFF|area=[[Evolution|Evolve]] {{p|Inkay}}}}
{{Availability/Entry2/None|v=Omega Ruby|v2=Alpha Sapphire}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VII}}
{{Availability/Entry2/None|v=Sun|v2=Moon}}
{{Availability/Entry2|v=Ultra Sun|v2=Ultra Moon|t=FFF|t2=FFF|area=[[Evolution|Evolve]] {{p|Inkay}}}}
{{Availability/Entry2/None|v=Let's Go Pikachu|v2=Let's Go Eevee|area=Unobtainable}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VIII}}
{{Availability/Entry2|v=Sword|v2=Shield|t=FFF|t2=FFF|area=[[Watchtower Ruins/Dens|Watchtower Ruins]], [[West Lake Axewell/Dens|West Lake Axewell]], [[Motostoke Riverbank/Dens|Motostoke Riverbank]], [[Stony Wilderness/Dens|Stony Wilderness]], [[Giant's Mirror/Dens|Giant's Mirror]], [[Hammerlocke Hills/Dens|Hammerlocke Hills]] ([[Max Raid Battle]])}}
{{Availability/Entry1|v=Expansion Pass|color={{Isle of Armor color}}|t={{Crown Tundra color dark}}|link=Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass|area=[[Fields of Honor]], [[Soothing Wetlands]], [[Loop Lagoon]], [[Training Lowlands]] ([[Wanderer]])<br>[[Max Lair]] ([[Dynamax Adventure]])}}
{{Availability/Entry2/None|v=Brilliant Diamond|v2=Shining Pearl|area=Unobtainable}}
{{Availability/Entry1/None|v=Legends: Arceus|area=Unobtainable}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=IX}}
{{Availability/Entry2/None|v=Scarlet|v2=Violet|area=[[Trade]]<sup>Version 3.0.0+</sup>}}
{{Availability/Entry1|v=The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|color={{Teal Mask color light}}|t={{Indigo Disk color}}|link=The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|area=[[Tera Raid Battle]]s ({{DL|List of 5★ Tera Raid Battles (Blueberry Academy)|Malamar|5★}}, {{DL|List of 6★ Tera Raid Battles (Blueberry Academy)|Malamar|6★}})}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Footer}}

====In side games====
{{Availability/Header|type=Dark|type2=Psychic}}
{{Availability/NA|gen=VI}}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VI}}
{{Availability/Entry1|1|v=Battle Trozei|color={{defense color}}|area=[[Mountain of Order#Stage 4|Mountain of Order: Stage 4]]}}
{{Availability/Entry1|1|v=Rumble World|color={{fire color}}|area=[[Starlight Islands#Upside-Down Island|Starlight Islands: Upside-Down Island]] <small>(All Areas, Entrance Boss)</small>}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VII}}
{{Availability/Entry1|1|v=Rumble Rush|color={{fire color}}|area=[[Pinsir Sea]], [[Greninja Sea]], [[Zygarde Sea]]<sup>Final</sup>}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Gen|gen=VIII}}
{{Availability/NA/Side|gen=VIII}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Cross}}
{{Availability/Entry1|1|v=Shuffle|color={{beauty color}}|area=[[Expert Stages|Expert Stage: Stage EX32]]}}
|}
|}
{{Availability/Footer}}

====In events====
{{eventAvail/h|Region|type=dark|type2=psychic}}
{{eventAvail|{{gameabbrev6|OR}}|Shigeki Morimoto's Malamar|PAL region|Online|50|August 5, 2015 to January 22, 2016|link=List of PAL region serial code event Pokémon distributions in Generation VI#Malamar}}
|}

===Held items===
{{HeldItems
|type=dark|type2=psychic
|event1=Assault Vest|event1type=None|event1rar=100}}

===Stats===
====Base stats====
{{Stats
|type=Dark
|type2=Psychic
|HP=86
|Attack=92
|Defense=88
|SpAtk=68
|SpDef=75
|Speed=73
}}

===Type effectiveness===
{{TypeEffectiveness
|type1=Dark
|type2=Psychic
|Normal=100
|Fighting=100
|Flying=100
|Poison=100
|Ground=100
|Rock=100
|Bug=400
|Ghost=100
|Steel=100
|Fire=100
|Water=100
|Grass=100
|Electric=100
|Psychic=0
|Ice=100
|Dragon=100
|Dark=100
|Fairy=200
|notes=yes
|dark=yes
|newpsychic=½
}}

===Learnset===
Malamar is available in {{pkmn|Scarlet and Violet}} Version 3.0.0+.
====By [[Level|leveling up]]====
{{learnlist/levelh/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}
{{learnlist/level9|1|Reversal|Fighting|Physical|—|100|15}}
{{learnlist/level9|1|Peck|Flying|Physical|35|100|35}}
{{learnlist/level9|1|Tackle|Normal|Physical|40|100|35}}
{{learnlist/level9|1|Hypnosis|Psychic|Status|—|60|20}}
{{learnlist/level9|1|Wrap|Normal|Physical|15|90|20}}
{{learnlist/level9|9|Payback|Dark|Physical|50|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/level9|12|Pluck|Flying|Physical|60|100|20}}
{{learnlist/level9|15|Psybeam|Psychic|Special|65|100|20||'''}}
{{learnlist/level9|18|Swagger|Normal|Status|—|85|15}}
{{learnlist/level9|21|Slash|Normal|Physical|70|100|20}}
{{learnlist/level9|24|Night Slash|Dark|Physical|70|100|15||'''}}
{{learnlist/level9|27|Psycho Cut|Psychic|Physical|70|100|20||'''}}
{{learnlist/level9|33|Switcheroo|Dark|Status|—|100|10}}
{{learnlist/level9|37|Foul Play|Dark|Physical|95|100|15||'''}}
{{learnlist/level9|42|Topsy-Turvy|Dark|Status|—|—|20}}
{{learnlist/level9|47|Superpower|Fighting|Physical|120|100|5}}
{{learnlist/levelf/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}

====By [[TM]]====
{{learnlist/tmh/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM003|Fake Tears|Dark|Status|—|100|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM006|Scary Face|Normal|Status|—|100|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM007|Protect|Normal|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM016|Psybeam|Psychic|Special|65|100|20||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM018|Thief|Dark|Physical|60|100|25||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM020|Trailblaze|Grass|Physical|50|100|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM025|Facade|Normal|Physical|70|100|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM027|Aerial Ace|Flying|Physical|60|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM032|Swift|Normal|Special|60|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM041|Stored Power|Psychic|Special|20|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM043|Fling|Dark|Physical|—|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM047|Endure|Normal|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM049|Sunny Day|Fire|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM050|Rain Dance|Water|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM054|Psyshock|Psychic|Special|80|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM062|Foul Play|Dark|Physical|95|100|15||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM070|Sleep Talk|Normal|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM074|Reflect|Psychic|Status|—|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM075|Light Screen|Psychic|Status|—|—|30}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM085|Rest|Psychic|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM086|Rock Slide|Rock|Physical|75|90|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM087|Taunt|Dark|Status|—|100|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM094|Dark Pulse|Dark|Special|80|100|15||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM098|Skill Swap|Psychic|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM103|Substitute|Normal|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM109|Trick|Psychic|Status|—|100|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM110|Liquidation|Water|Physical|85|100|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM120|Psychic|Psychic|Special|90|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM125|Flamethrower|Fire|Special|90|100|15}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM126|Thunderbolt|Electric|Special|90|100|15}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM129|Calm Mind|Psychic|Status|—|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM130|Helping Hand|Normal|Status|—|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM132|Baton Pass|Normal|Status|—|—|40}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM134|Reversal|Fighting|Physical|—|100|15}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM140|Nasty Plot|Dark|Status|—|—|20}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM152|Giga Impact|Normal|Physical|150|90|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM161|Trick Room|Psychic|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM163|Hyper Beam|Normal|Special|150|90|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM171|Tera Blast|Normal|Special|80|100|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM177|Spite|Ghost|Status|—|100|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM178|Gravity|Psychic|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM181|Knock Off|Dark|Physical|65|100|20||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM185|Lunge|Bug|Physical|80|100|15}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM199|Lash Out|Dark|Physical|75|100|5||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM203|Psych Up|Normal|Status|—|—|10}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM217|Future Sight|Psychic|Special|120|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM218|Expanding Force|Psychic|Special|80|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM221|Throat Chop|Dark|Physical|80|100|15||'''}}
{{learnlist/tm9|TM228|Psychic Noise|Psychic|Special|75|100|10||'''}}
{{learnlist/tmf/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}

====By {{pkmn|breeding}}====
{{learnlist/breedh/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}
{{learnlist/breed9|{{MSP/H|0211|Qwilfish}}{{MSP/H|0211-Hisui|Qwilfish}}{{MSP/H|0904|Overqwil}}{{MSP/H|0871|Pincurchin}}
|Acupressure|Normal|Status|—|—|30}}
{{learnlist/breed9|{{MSP/H|0211|Qwilfish}}{{MSP/H|0211-Hisui|Qwilfish}}{{MSP/H|0904|Overqwil}}|Destiny Bond|Ghost|Status|—|—|5}}
{{learnlist/breed9|{{MSP/H|0054|Psyduck}}{{MSP/H|0055|Golduck}}{{MSP/H|0079|Slowpoke}}{{MSP/H|0079-Galar|Slowpoke}}{{MSP/H|0080|Slowbro}}{{MSP/H|0080-Galar|Slowbro}}{{MSP/H|0199|Slowking}}{{MSP/H|0199-Galar|Slowking}}{{MSP/H|0779|Bruxish}}|Disable|Normal|Status|—|100|20}}
{{learnlist/breedf/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}

====By a prior [[Evolution]]====
{{learnlist/prevoh/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}
{{learnlist/prevo9null}}
{{learnlist/prevof/9|Malamar|Dark|Psychic|6}}

===Side game data===
{{Spindata/Head|type=Dark|type2=Psychic}}
{{Spindata/PSMD|col=6|type=Dark|ndex=687
|coset=11
|conto={{p|Omastar}}
|recruitment=Battle
|P1=I hate being bothered! Don't make me spit ink!
|P2=I'm sustaining quite a bit of damage now… Is it time to squirt some ink and run away?
}}
|-
{{Spindata/RumbleRush|col=6|type=Dark|ndex=687
|walk=2.1
|hp=57
|attack=78
|defense=56
|speed=60
}}
|-
{{Spindata/Battle Trozei|col=6|type=Dark|ndex=687
|power=2
}}
|-
{{Spindata/Shuffle|col=6|type=Dark|ndex=687|num=366
|min=70
|max=110
|raisemaxlevel=5
|skill=Quirky+
|skilldesc=Sometimes erases two extra matching Pokémon elsewhere.
|swapper=Block Shot
}}
|-
{{Spindata/GO|col=6|type=Dark|ndex=687
|hatch=N/A
|buddy=3
|evolution=N/A
|stamina=200
|attack=177
|defense=165
|fast={{m|Peck}}, {{m|Psycho Cut}}, {{m|Psywave}}{{tt|*|From March 1, 2024 onward}}
|special={{m|Psybeam}}, {{m|Foul Play}}, {{m|Superpower}}, {{m|Hyper Beam}}, {{m|Frustration}}[[File:GO Shadow icon.png|24px|link=Shadow Pokémon (GO)|As Shadow Pokémon]], {{m|Return}}[[File:GO Purified icon.png|24px|link=Shadow Pokémon (GO)|As Purified Pokémon]]
}}
|}

===Form data===
====Mega Evolution====
{{Evobox/Formes
|sprite1=0687Malamar
|name1=Malamar
|type1-1=Dark
|type2-1=Psychic
|forme1=Malamar
|loc1=Default
|item1=
|itemfile1=None.png
|itemsize1=40px
|sprite2=0687Malamar-Mega ZA
|forme2=Mega Malamar
|loc2={{color2|000|Held item|Held}} ???
}}

===Evolution data===
{{evobox/Inkay}}

===Sprites===
{{Spritebox/Header|type=dark|type2=psychic}}
{{Spritebox/NA|gen=VI}}
{{Spritebox/6|ndex=687|crop=127}}
{{Spritebox/7|ndex=687|crop=93}}
{{Spritebox/8|ndex=687}}

{{Spritebox/HOME|ndex=0687}}
{{Spritebox/Footer|687|Malamar}}

==In animation==
[[File:Malamar anime.png|thumb|250px|Malamar in {{aniseries|XY}}]]
===Major appearances===
====[[Malamar (anime)]]====
An evil, psychopathic Malamar appeared in ''[[XY019|A Conspiracy to Conquer!]]''. It had hypnotized an [[Officer Jenny]] to pose as "Madame X". While it was defeated in the end, it escaped. Malamar reappeared in ''[[XY054|Facing the Grand Design!]]'', along with two other evil Malamar, where they attempted to initiate their plan of world conquest. After being foiled again, they used a machine to [[Time travel|escape into the future]].

====Other====
Six Malamar appeared in ''[[XY054|Facing the Grand Design!]]'', along with the three evil Malamar. Unlike the three evil Malamar, these Malamar were peaceful and lived with Pokémon living in the forest. They later helped [[James]] and {{an|Clemont}} stop the three evil Malamar from completing their plans and rescue their friends.

A Malamar appeared in ''[[XY134|The Right Hero for the Right Job!]]'', under the ownership of [[Xerosic]]. Xerosic used his Malamar to battle several of Clemont's Pokémon, but it was soon defeated. It reappeared in ''[[XY139|Facing the Needs of the Many!]]'', where it attempted to {{m|Hypnosis|hypnotize}} Clemont, but failed.

A Malamar appeared in ''[[JN115|Curtain Up! Fight the Fights!]]'', under the ownership of [[Alain]]. It fought [[Leon's Charizard]] in the [[Masters Eight Tournament]] and lost.

===Minor appearances===
Malamar debuted in ''[[XY001|Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!]]''.

===Pokédex entries===
{{Animedexheader|Kalos}}
{{Animedexbody|XY019|Malamar|Ash's Pokédex|Malamar, the Overturning Pokémon, and the evolved form of {{p|Inkay}}. Possessing the strongest hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, Malamar can compel others to do anything it wants them to do.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|Kalos}}
{{Animedexheader|Galar}}
{{Animedexbody|JN115|Malamar|Goh's Rotom Phone|Malamar, the Overturning Pokémon. A {{t|Dark}} and {{t|Psychic}} type. Looking at Malamar's luminescent body can cause one to become hypnotized and susceptible to the Pokémon's control.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|Galar}}

==In the manga==
[[File:Xerosic Malamar Adventures.png|thumb|right|100px|Malamar in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
===Pokémon Adventures===
In ''[[PS550|X-actly What They Wanted]]'', [[Team Flare]] Scientist [[Xerosic]] was revealed to own a Malamar.

[[Piers]]'s Malamar debuted in ''[[PASS25|Rumble!! The Horrific Darkest Day]]''.

====Pokédex entries====
{{Mangadexheader}}
{{Mangadexbody|Pokémon Adventures|[[PS587]]|It has the most powerful hypnotic powers of any Pokémon and can make others do whatever it wants them to.}}
{{Mangadexfooter}}

==In the TCG==
{{main|Malamar (TCG)}}

==Trivia==
[[File:My Friend Calamanero Pokémon Center announcement.jpg|thumb|250px|"My Friend Calamanero" Pokémon Center campaign announcement]]
* In addition to {{p|Inkay}}'s method of [[Evolution]] into Malamar being unique, it would have been impossible in any of the previous [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]] because the [[Nintendo 3DS]] is Nintendo's first handheld system with an internal {{wp|gyroscope}}.
* Malamar and its pre-Evolution were designed by [[Hitoshi Ariga]].<ref>[http://hitoshiariga.deviantart.com/art/Pocket-Monsters-XY-413536751 Pocket Monsters XY by HitoshiAriga on deviantART]</ref>
* Malamar and its pre-Evolution are the only Pokémon to have {{a|Contrary}} as a standard [[Ability]] instead of a [[Hidden Ability]].
* Malamar is the subject of the "[[My Friend Malamar]]" (Japanese: マイ・フレンド・カラマネロ ''My Friend Calamanero'') campaign, which ran from September 4 to 10, 2025. The campaign culminated with the reveal of the [[Mega Evolution]] of Malamar.

===Origin===
Malamar is based on an upside-down {{wp|squid}}. According to Hitoshi Ariga, Malamar's upside-down design was inspired by the fact that squids are commonly illustrated upside-down in pictorial books.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ariga_megamix/status/921753659381202944 Tweet by ありがひとし/HitoshiAriga (@ariga_megamix).] Posted on Oct 21, 2017.</ref> Its hypnosis ability appears to be a reference to the {{wp|cuttlefish}} and its ability to mesmerize prey by rhythmically changing color. Its body orientation and bioluminescence may also have been inspired by the {{wp|vampire squid}}'s abilities to invert its tentacles and produce light.

Additionally, as alluded to by Ariga,<ref>[https://twitter.com/ariga_megamix/status/1115591492926468096 Tweet by ありがひとし/HitoshiAriga (@ariga_megamix).] Posted on April 9, 2019.</ref> Malamar's physical appearance and its use of hypnosis to forcefully control others may be inspired by the extraterrestrial supervillain trope, common in {{wp|tokusatsu}} shows. Its tentacles acting as living hair also shares some similarities with {{wp|witches}} and {{wp|gorgon}}-like monsters.

Mega Malamar appears to iterate on the supervillain trope; particularly, its large, swollen brain and the tentacles wrapped around its head mirrors super-intelligent characters and genius supervillains in popular media, and its high collar is also a common trait in villain costumes. Mega Malamar using its tentacles to stimulate its own brain may also allude to the trope of characters who enhance their cognitive or psychic abilities by injecting a serum or connecting computer cables to their brains. This could also be a reference to an {{wp|octopus}} having 2/3 of its neurons in its tentacles. Its body shape may also be based on the {{wp|nervous system}}, with its head, body, and tentacles standing in for the brain, {{wp|spinal cord}}, and nerves. Its shape may also be inspired by {{wp|fountain pen}}s, with its legs resembling a {{wp|Nib (pen)|pen nib}}. Mega Malamar may also be inspired by various squid species, including the {{wp|bigfin squid}}, a deep sea organism which also possesses extremely long and thin tentacles.

====Name origin====
Malamar may be a combination of ''mal-'' (Latin-derived prefix for bad), μαλάκιο ''malákio'' (Greek for {{wp|mollusk}}), ''{{wp|calamari}}'', and ''mare'' (Latin for sea). It could also be a reference to the Spanish expression ''mala mar'' (literally "bad sea"), used by fishermen or sailors to describe rough sea conditions.

Calamanero may be a combination of ''calamaro'' (Italian for squid) and ''nero'' (Italian for "black" and "ink"). It may also involve 絡ます ''karamasu'' (to entangle) and 魔 ''ma'' (demon).

==In other languages==
{{Other languages|type=Dark|type2=Psychic
|ja=カラマネロ ''Calamanero''|jameaning=From ''{{tt|calamaro|Italian for squid}}'', ''{{tt|nero|Italian for ''black'' and ''ink''}}'', and possibly {{tt|絡ます ''karamasu''|to entangle}} and {{tt|魔 ''ma''|demon}}
|fr=Sepiatroce|frmeaning=From ''{{tt|σηπίᾱ ''sēpíā''|Ancient Greek for cuttlefish}}'' and ''{{tt|atroce|atrocious}}''
|es=Malamar|esmeaning=Same as English name
|de=Calamanero|demeaning=Same as Japanese name
|it=Malamar|itmeaning=Same as English name
|ko=칼라마네로 ''Calamanero''|komeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
|zh_cmn=烏賊王 / 乌贼王 ''Wūzéiwáng''|zh_cmnmeaning=From {{tt|烏賊 / 乌贼 ''wūzéi''|cuttlefish}}, {{tt|烏 / 乌 ''wū''|black}}, {{tt|賊 / 贼 ''zéi''|thief; evil}}, and {{tt|王 ''wáng''|king}}
|zh_yue=烏賊王 ''Wūchaahkwòhng''|zh_yuemeaning=From {{tt|烏賊 ''wūchaahk''|cuttlefish}}, {{tt|烏 ''wū''|black}}, {{tt|賊 ''chaahk''|thief; evil}}, and {{tt|王 ''wòhng''|king}}
|hi=कालामारिड ''Calamarid''|himeaning=From ''calamari'', {{tt|काला ''kālā''|black}}, and ''rid''
|ru=Маламар ''Malamar''|rumeaning=Transcription of English name
|th=คาลามาเนโร ''Khalamanero''|thmeaning=Transcription of Japanese name
}}

==Related articles==
* [[Malamar (anime)]]
* [[Mega Evolution]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{Mega Evolution}}
{{PokémonPrevNext/Head|type=Dark|type2=Psychic}}
{{PokémonPrevNext/Pokémon|type=Dark|prevnum=0686|prev=Inkay|nextnum=0688|next=Binacle}}
|}
{{Project Pokédex notice}}

[[de:Calamanero]]
[[es:Malamar]]
[[fr:Sepiatroce]]
[[it:Malamar]]
[[ja:カラマネロ]]
[[zh:乌贼王]]

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Malamar (Pokémon)