Malamar (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0686: Inkay	Pokémon	#0688: Binacle →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Malamar (disambiguation).

Malamar Overturning Pokémon カラマネロ Calamanero #0687 Malamar Mega Malamar Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Dark Psychic Unknown Unknown Mega Malamar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Contrary or Suction Cups Cacophony Mega Malamar Cacophony Infiltrator Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Mega Malamar Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 80 (18.4%)
Breeding Egg Groups Water 1 and Water 2 Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 4'11" 1.5 m Malamar 9'06" 2.9 m Mega Malamar 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 103.6 lbs. 47.0 kg Malamar 153.9 lbs. 69.8 kg Mega Malamar 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone Malamarite [[|]]
Base experience yield Unknown Gen. IV Unknown IV 169	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 2 Malamar 0 HP 2 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Mega Malamar 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	Footprint Mega Malamar
Pokédex color   Blue	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Malamar (Japanese: カラマネロ Calamanero) is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon introduced in Generation VI.

It evolves from Inkay starting at level 30 when leveled up while the game system is held upside-down. When playing on the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, the Joy-Con controllers have to be attached to the console upside-down.

Malamar can Mega Evolve into Mega Malamar using the Malamarite. Mega Malamar was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Biology

Malamar under water

Malamar is an amphibious Pokémon 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 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 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 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 A Conspiracy to Conquer! and 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 animated series and the Pokémon Trading Card Game depict Malamar living near water or even under water. As shown in the Pokémon the Series: XY episode 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 only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Topsy-Turvy.

Forms

Mega Malamar can stimulate its brain to boost its psychic powers

Malamar can 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. 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: 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.

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. Mega Malamar can further boost its psychic powers by sticking its arms into its head, stimulating its brain. 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.

Mega Malamar

Evolution

Malamar evolves from Inkay.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Unevolved Inkay  Dark  Psychic

→

First Evolution Malamar  Dark  Psychic

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Generation VI Kalos Coastal #011 Hoenn #— X It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants. Y It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids. Omega Ruby It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants. Alpha Sapphire It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.
Generation VII Alola  US  UM : #027 Kanto #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sun, Moon, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Ultra Sun When it comes to strong hypnosis, there's an endless number of people who utilize Malamar for their nefarious deeds. Ultra Moon It flashes the pattern on its torso to control its prey and draw them in. The edges of its fins are supremely sharp.
Generation VIII Galar #291 Galar Isle of Armor #109 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus. Sword Gazing at its luminescent spots will quickly induce a hypnotic state, putting the observer under Malamar's control. Shield It's said that Malamar's hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.
Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #— Blueberry #81 Lumiose #160 Scarlet Its hypnotic powers are dangerously strong. Anyone who falls under Malamar’s control loses their memories surrounding the event. Violet It flashes the luminescent spots on its body to hypnotize its opponents, gaining total control over them. Legends: Z-A It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants. Mega Malamar Legends: Z-A It uses its colorful lights to overwrite the personalities and memories of others—and to control them.

Malamar in the Alola PokédexUSUM	Malamar in the Blueberry Pokédex

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Generation VI X Y Evolve Inkay Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade
Generation VII Sun Moon Trade Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Evolve Inkay Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Unobtainable
Generation VIII Sword Shield Watchtower Ruins, West Lake Axewell, Motostoke Riverbank, Stony Wilderness, Giant's Mirror, Hammerlocke Hills (Max Raid Battle) Expansion Pass Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Loop Lagoon, Training Lowlands (Wanderer) Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Unobtainable Legends: Arceus Unobtainable
Generation IX Scarlet Violet TradeVersion 3.0.0+ The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Tera Raid Battles (5★, 6★) Legends: Z-A Centrico Plaza: Wild Zone 20

In side games

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Generation VI Battle Trozei Mountain of Order: Stage 4 Rumble World Starlight Islands: Upside-Down Island (All Areas, Entrance Boss)
Generation VII Rumble Rush Pinsir Sea, Greninja Sea, Zygarde SeaFinal
Generation VIII This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation VIII side games.
Cross-Generation Shuffle Expert Stage: Stage EX32

In events

Games	Event	Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
OR	Shigeki Morimoto's Malamar	PAL region	Online	50	August 5, 2015 to January 22, 2016

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Events*		Assault Vest (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 86		146 - 193	282 - 376
Attack: 92		87 - 158	170 - 311
Defense: 88		83 - 154	162 - 302
Sp. Atk: 68		65 - 132	126 - 258
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 73		70 - 137	135 - 269
Total: 482	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.

Mega Malamar

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 86		146 - 193	282 - 376
Attack: 102		96 - 169	188 - 333
Defense: 88		83 - 154	162 - 302
Sp. Atk: 98		92 - 165	180 - 324
Sp. Def: 120		112 - 189	220 - 372
Speed: 88		83 - 154	162 - 302
Total: 582	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.

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 4× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 2× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 4× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 2× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 4× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 2× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 4× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 0× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 2× None

Notes: If Miracle Eye is used by an opponent or this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Psychic-type  moves is ½×.

Learnset

Malamar is available in Scarlet and Violet Version 3.0.0+ and Legends: Z-A.

By leveling up

SV

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 15 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 011 Wrap Normal Physical 01515 09090% 20 099 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100100% 10 1212 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 1515 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100100% 20 1818 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 08585% 15 2121 Slash Normal Physical 07070 100100% 20 2424 Night Slash Dark Physical 07070 100100% 15 2727 Psycho Cut Psychic Physical 07070 100100% 20 3333 Switcheroo Dark Status 0000— 100100% 10 3737 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100100% 15 4242 Topsy-Turvy Dark Status 0000— 00——% 20 4747 Superpower Fighting Physical 120120 100100% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Malamar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

ZA

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

Learn Plus  Move   Type   Cat.   Power   CD  1 10 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 4 1 10 Peck Flying Physical 03535 6 3 6 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 10 6 9 Fake Tears Dark Status 0000— 10 14 17 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 10 15 18 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 6 21 24 Slash Normal Physical 07070 7 24 27 Night Slash Dark Physical 07070 7 33 36 Psycho Cut Psychic Physical 07070 7 37 40 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 8 42 45 Topsy-Turvy Dark Status 0000— 10 54 57 Close Combat Fighting Physical 120120 12

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Malamar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

SV

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM003 TM003 Fake Tears Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM006 TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM016 TM016 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100}}100% 20 TM018 TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM020 TM020 Trailblaze Grass Physical 05050 100}}100% 20 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM027 TM027 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM041 TM041 Stored Power Psychic Special 02020 100}}100% 10 TM043 TM043 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM049 TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM054 TM054 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM062 TM062 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM074 TM074 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM075 TM075 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM086 TM086 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 090}}90% 10 TM087 TM087 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM094 TM094 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM098 TM098 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM109 TM109 Trick Psychic Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM110 TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10 TM120 TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM125 TM125 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM126 TM126 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM129 TM129 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM132 TM132 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 40 TM134 TM134 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM140 TM140 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM152 TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM161 TM161 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM163 TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM177 TM177 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM178 TM178 Gravity Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM181 TM181 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 100}}100% 20 TM185 TM185 Lunge Bug Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM199 TM199 Lash Out Dark Physical 07575 100}}100% 5 TM203 TM203 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM217 TM217 Future Sight Psychic Special 120120 100}}100% 10 TM218 TM218 Expanding Force Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM221 TM221 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM228 TM228 Psychic Noise Psychic Special 07575 100}}100% 10

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Malamar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

ZA

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   CD  TM001 TM001 Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 7 TM003 TM003 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 8 TM006 TM006 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 18 TM011 TM011 Bulk Up Fighting Status 0000— 18 TM012 TM012 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 7 TM016 TM016 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 12 TM017 TM017 Protect Normal Status 0000— 15 TM031 TM031 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 12 TM032 TM032 Double Team Normal Status 0000— 15 TM034 TM034 Night Slash Dark Physical 07070 7 TM035 TM035 Endure Normal Status 0000— 12 TM037 TM037 Stealth Rock Rock Status 0000— 10 TM044 TM044 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 20 TM045 TM045 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 10 TM055 TM055 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 20 TM059 TM059 Zen Headbutt Psychic Physical 08080 8 TM060 TM060 Future Sight Psychic Special 120120 10 TM062 TM062 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 8 TM063 TM063 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 8 TM067 TM067 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 8 TM076 TM076 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 8 TM077 TM077 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 8 TM083 TM083 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— 15 TM085 TM085 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 10 TM090 TM090 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 8 TM095 TM095 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 12 TM097 TM097 Heal Block Psychic Status 0000— 12 TM107 TM107 Close Combat Fighting Physical 120120 12

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Malamar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Acupressure Normal Status — —% 30 Destiny Bond Ghost Status — —% 5 Disable Normal Status — 100% 20

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Malamar Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Malamar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By a prior Evolution

Generation IX Other generations: VI - VII - VIII

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Malamar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Malamar

Side game data

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Battle Connected to: Omastar Connection Orb Set: 11 Phrases Normal I hate being bothered! Don't make me spit ink! Low HP (< 50%) I'm sustaining quite a bit of damage now… Is it time to squirt some ink and run away?

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 2.1 seconds Base HP: 57 Base Attack: 78 Base Defense: 56 Base Speed: 60

Pokémon Battle Trozei Dark Attack Power: ★★★★★

Pokémon Shuffle Dark Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #366 Quirky+ Sometimes erases two extra matching Pokémon elsewhere. Swappable Skill(s): Block Shot

Pokémon GO Base HP: 200 Base Attack: 177 Base Defense: 165 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Peck, Psycho Cut, Psywave* Charged Attacks: Psybeam, Foul Play, Superpower, Hyper Beam, Frustration, Return

Form data

Mega Evolution

Default Malamar Malamar  Dark  Psychic

Malamarite ↔

Held Malamarite Mega Malamar Malamar  Dark  Psychic

Evolution data

Unevolved Inkay  Dark  Psychic

+ Level 30 (hold game system upside-down) →

First Evolution Malamar  Dark  Psychic

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back
Generation VIII Sword Shield
Cross-Generation HOME

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

In animation

Malamar in Pokémon the Series: XY

Major appearances

Malamar (anime)

An evil, psychopathic Malamar appeared in 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 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 escape into the future.

Other

Six Malamar appeared in 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 Clemont stop the three evil Malamar from completing their plans and rescue their friends.

A Malamar appeared in 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 Facing the Needs of the Many!, where it attempted to hypnotize Clemont, but failed.

A Malamar appeared in 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 Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry XY019 Malamar Ash's Pokédex Malamar, the Overturning Pokémon, and the evolved form of Inkay. Possessing the strongest hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, Malamar can compel others to do anything it wants them to do.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN115 Malamar Goh's Rotom Phone Malamar, the Overturning Pokémon. A Dark and Psychic type. Looking at Malamar's luminescent body can cause one to become hypnotized and susceptible to the Pokémon's control.

In the manga

Malamar in Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures

In X-actly What They Wanted, Team Flare Scientist Xerosic was revealed to own a Malamar.

Piers's Malamar debuted in Rumble!! The Horrific Darkest Day.

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry Pokémon Adventures PS587 It has the most powerful hypnotic powers of any Pokémon and can make others do whatever it wants them to.

In the TCG

Main article: Malamar (TCG)

Trivia

"My Friend Calamanero" Pokémon Center campaign announcement

• In addition to 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 gyroscope.
• Malamar and its pre-Evolution are the only Pokémon to have Contrary as a standard Ability instead of a Hidden Ability.
• Malamar was 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.
• Mega Malamar is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 582.

Concept and development

Malamar and its pre-Evolution were designed by Hitoshi Ariga.

Origin

Malamar is based on an upside-down 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. Its hypnosis ability appears to be a reference to the cuttlefish and its ability to mesmerize prey by rhythmically changing color. Its body orientation and bioluminescence may also have been inspired by the vampire squid's abilities to invert its tentacles and produce light.

Additionally, as alluded to by Ariga, Malamar's physical appearance and its use of hypnosis to forcefully control others may be inspired by the extraterrestrial supervillain trope, common in tokusatsu shows. Its tentacles acting as living hair also shares some similarities with witches and 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. Its body shape may also be based on the nervous system, with its head, body, and tentacles standing in for the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Its shape may also be inspired by fountain pens, with its legs resembling a pen nib. Mega Malamar may also be inspired by various squid species, including the 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 mollusk), 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

Language Title Meaning Japanese カラマネロ Calamanero From calamaro, nero, and possibly 絡ます karamasu and 魔 ma French Sepiatroce From σηπίᾱ sēpíā and atroce Spanish Malamar Same as English name German Calamanero Same as Japanese name Italian Malamar Same as English name Korean 칼라마네로 Calamanero Transcription of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 烏賊王 / 乌贼王 Wūzéiwáng From 烏賊 / 乌贼 wūzéi, 烏 / 乌 wū, 賊 / 贼 zéi, and 王 wáng Cantonese Chinese 烏賊王 Wūchaahkwòhng From 烏賊 wūchaahk, 烏 wū, 賊 chaahk, and 王 wòhng

More languages Hindi कालामारिड Calamarid From calamari, काला kālā, and rid Russian Маламар Malamar Transcription of English name Thai คาลามาเนโร Khalamanero Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Malamar (anime)
• Mega Evolution

External links

Mega Evolutions

Introduced in Pokémon X and Y

Introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Introduced in Mega Dimension

Related mechanics: Primal Reversion • Bond Phenomenon • Ultra Burst
See also: Rogue Mega Evolution • Mega Stone • Key Stone • Mega Energy • Infinity Energy • Mega Power

← #0686: Inkay

Pokémon

#0688: Binacle →

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