Poliwag

Species

Quote
“The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.” — Poliwag's Pokédex entry^[src]

C

Poliwag [Edit] [Talk]

Poliwag^{(JPJapanese: ニョロモ

Romaji: Nyoromo)} is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a Water-type Pokémon that made its first appearance in the first generation games Red and Blue. It evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25.

Physiology and Behavior[]

Poliwag is an amphibian Pokémon resembling a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips that can also act as suction cups for rocks. Its skin is very thin, but flexible and difficult to puncture. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which is actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl is clearer following a meal and will have a white tinge if the Pokémon is affected by disease. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area; the equator is thought to have an effect on it.

Poliwag has newly developed legs that are poor at walking and no arms. It has a long, thin tail surrounded by a light-blue, semitransparent fin. Its tail makes it a powerful swimmer. It loves to waddle on land despite the dangers. However, it will quickly return back into the water should it see danger. It cannot walk on land well unless trained everyday.

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.

Appearances[]

Main Pokémon games[]

Other Pokémon games[]

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

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: A Poliwag, along with three Poliwrath, appear as the boss of Poliwrath River.

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Trophy descriptions[]

In the anime[]

Origin and inspiration[]

In-game information[]

Pokédex entries[]

Title	Entry

First Pokémon generation
Pokémon Red and Blue	Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand.
Pokémon Yellow	The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Pokémon Stadium	The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold	Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokémon Silver	The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Pokémon Crystal	The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats.
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon Sapphire	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.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon LeafGreen	Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon Pearl	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon Platinum	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon HeartGold	Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokémon SoulSilver	The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon White	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon Black 2	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon White 2	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon Y	The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Pokémon Omega 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.
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire	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.
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it's affected by some disease.
Pokémon Moon	It's still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day.
Pokémon Ultra Sun	Despite the danger, it wants to come up on land. So it does its best to waddle along, but when an enemy finds it, it rushes back to the water.
Pokémon Ultra Moon	The direction of the swirl on their stomachs differs depending on where they live. Poliwag aficionados can tell them apart at a glance.
Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu	The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Pokémon Let's Go Eevee	The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword	For Poliwag, swimming is easier than walking. The swirl pattern on its belly is actually part of the Pokémon's innards showing through the skin.
Pokémon Shield	In rivers with fast-flowing water, this Pokémon will cling to a rock by using its thick lips, which act like a suction cup.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokémon Shining Pearl	Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet	The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It appears more clearly after Poliwag eats.
Pokémon Violet	Its legs are newly grown, and it can't walk very well. It seems to prefer swimming through the water instead.

Game locations[]

Title	Location(s)
First Pokémon generation
Pokémon Red and Blue	Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 and Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, Cerulean Cave (Good Rod) Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22(Super Rod)
Pokémon Yellow	Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 and Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, Cerulean Cave (Good Rod) Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Routes 22 and 23(Super Rod)
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold	Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Pokémon Silver	Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing)
Pokémon Crystal	Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, 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 and 44^Night
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ruby	Trade
Pokémon FireRed	Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Berry Forest (Good Rod) Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Four Island, Icefall Cave and Ruin Valley (Good/Super Rod)
Pokémon LeafGreen	Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Berry Forest (Good Rod) Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Four Island, Icefall Cave and Ruin Valley (Good/Super Rod)
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond	Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) Route 225 (Good Rod)
Pokémon Pearl	Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) Route 225 (Good Rod)
Pokémon Platinum	Routes 227 and 228 (surfing)
Pokémon HeartGold	Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City, Cerulean Cave, Cliff Edge Gate(fishing) Safari Zone (fishing or surfing)
Pokémon SoulSilver	Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City, Cerulean Cave, Cliff Edge Gate(fishing) Safari Zone (fishing or surfing)
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black	Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod)
Pokémon White	Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod)
Pokémon Black 2	Routes 6, 19, 20, 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod)
Pokémon White 2	Routes 6, 19, 20, 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod)
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X	Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod) Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter)
Pokémon Y	Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod) Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter)
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun	Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden
Pokémon Moon	Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden
Pokémon Ultra Sun	Brooklet Hill
Pokémon Ultra Moon	Brooklet Hill
Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu	Routes 22, 23, and 25, Cerulean Cave
Pokémon Let's Go Eevee	Routes 22, 23, and 25, Cerulean Cave
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword	Brawlers' Cave Max Raid Battle: Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courageous Cavern
Pokémon Shield	Brawlers' Cave Max Raid Battle: Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courageous Cavern
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond	Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) Route 225 (Good Rod) Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern *
Pokémon Shining Pearl	Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) Route 225 (Good Rod) Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern *
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet	Kitakami Road, Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge
Pokémon Violet	Kitakami Road, Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge

Evolution[]

Poliwag

Reach level 25.

Poliwhirl

Use

Water Stone.

Poliwrath

Poliwag

Reach level 25.

Poliwhirl

Trade holding

King's Rock

Politoed

Base Stats[]

Base Stats
HP	40
Attack	50
Defense	40
Sp. Attack	40
Sp. Defense	40
Speed	90
Total	300

Moveset[]

Main article: Poliwag/moveset

Gallery[]

Sprites[]

Sprites

Red	Green

Red	Blue

Yellow

Gold

Silver

Crystal

Ruby	Sapphire
File:PKMNRS060.png File:PKMNRS060-S.png

Emerald

File:PKMNE060.gif

File:PKMNE060-S.gif

Fire	Leaf
File:PKMNFRLG060.png File:PKMNFRLG060-S.png

Diamond	Pearl
File:PKMNDP060-S.png

Platinum

File:PKMNP060.png

File:PKMNP060-S.png

Heart	Soul
File:PKMNHGSS060.png File:PKMNHGSS060-S.png

Black	White
File:PKMNBW060-S.png

Black 2	White 2
File:PKMNBW2060.png File:PKMNBW2060-S.png

X	Y
File:PKMNXY060-S.png

Pikachu	Eevee
File:PKMNLGPE060-S.png

Sword	Shield
File:PKMNSS060-S.png

Brilliant Diamond	Shining Pearl
File:PKMNBDSP060.png File:PKMNBDSP060-S.png

Scarlet	Violet
File:PKMNSV060-S.png

Trivia[]

Poliwag is series creator Satoshi Tajiri's favorite Pokémon.
The Fifth Pokémon generation 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.