Poliwhirl (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0060: Poliwag	Pokémon	#0062: Poliwrath →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwhirl (disambiguation).

Poliwhirl Tadpole Pokémon ニョロゾ Nyorozo #0061 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Water Absorb or Damp Cacophony Cacophony Swift Swim Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 120 (24.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Water 1 Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 3'03" 1.0 m Poliwhirl 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 44.1 lbs. 20.0 kg Poliwhirl 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 131 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 135 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 2 Poliwhirl 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 2 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 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Blue	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Poliwhirl (Japanese: ニョロゾ Nyorozo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Poliwag starting at level 25 and evolves into either Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock.

(Specifics may differ in past games. Refer to Game data→Evolution data for these details.)

Biology

Part of its internal anatomy, as seen in its conceptual art

Poliwhirl is a blue, bipedal amphibian Pokémon with a spherical body. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head. A black and white swirl covers its belly, which is actually its organs showing through its thin skin. It appears to have white gloves on its hands and rounded, digit-less feet. When out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist and healthy. This keeps it covered in an oily fluid that allows it to slip away from enemies. All of its skin feels this way except where its swirl is, which is instead very smooth. The swirl on its belly undulates slowly and staring at it induces drowsiness.

Even though Poliwhirl is capable of moving on land, it prefers to stay in freshwater ponds and lakes where it has fewer natural enemies. It feeds on both bug and fish Pokémon. While it will leave the water to capture bug Pokémon, it will return and consume them underwater in safety. Its swirl is used to make children fall asleep. Poliwhirl's sweat is filled with slimy mucus. When captured by an enemy, it either slithers to escape or use its swirl to put the enemy to sleep.

Evolution

Poliwhirl evolves from Poliwag and evolves into either Poliwrath or Politoed.

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

Unevolved Poliwag  Water	→	First Evolution Poliwhirl  Water	↗	Second Evolution Poliwrath  Water  Fighting
			↘	Second Evolution Politoed  Water

Game data

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto #061 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green Red(ENG) Capable of living in or out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy. Blue Yellow Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape. Stadium Capable of living on land, but prefers to stay in water. If it is out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist.

Generation II Johto #073 Gold The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness. Silver The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth. Crystal Though it is skilled at walking, it prefers to live underwater where there is less danger. Stadium 2 The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)

Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #061 Ruby The surface of Poliwhirl's body is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle. Sapphire Emerald Its body surface is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle. FireRed Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water. LeafGreen It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy.

Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #073 Diamond The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. Pearl Platinum HeartGold The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness. SoulSilver The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth.

Generation V Unova #— Black The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. White Black 2 The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Mountain #034 Hoenn #— X It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy. Y Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water. Omega Ruby The surface of Poliwhirl's body is always wet and slick with a slimy fluid. Because of this slippery covering, it can easily slip and slide out of the clutches of any enemy in battle. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Alola  S  M : #150 Alola  US  UM : #183 Kanto #061 Sun Although it can live on land, it prefers to stay in the water, where it has fewer natural enemies. Moon It marches over the land in search of bug Pokémon to eat. Then it takes them underwater so it can dine on them where it's safe. Ultra Sun Although it has become capable of living on land, it spends its time in the water, where its prey, fish Pokémon, are plentiful. Ultra Moon Its health suffers when its skin dries out, so be sure to moisturize it diligently. Let's Go Pikachu Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape. Let's Go Eevee

Generation VIII Galar Isle of Armor #143 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus. Sword Staring at the swirl on its belly causes drowsiness. This trait of Poliwhirl's has been used in place of lullabies to get children to go to sleep. Shield This Pokémon's sweat is a slimy mucus. When captured, Poliwhirl can slither from its enemies' grasp and escape. Brilliant Diamond The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. Shining Pearl

Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #40 Blueberry #— Scarlet Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water. Violet Its skin is moist all over its body. The skin on its belly spiral also feels smooth.

Poliwhirl in the Alola Pokédex	Poliwhirl in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Route 10 and Celadon City (Super Rod) Blue (Japan) Route 10 and Celadon City (Super Rod) Yellow Routes 22 and 23 (Super Rod)

Generation II Gold Silver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing) Crystal Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing) Routes 28 and 44, Mt. Silver (tall grass)Night

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Routes 6, 22, 23, and 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley (Super Rod) Colosseum Trade XD Trade

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Route 225 (Super Rod) Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) Platinum Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) HeartGold SoulSilver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Mt. Silver, Violet City, Viridian City (Surfing) Cerulean Cave (Super Rod)MorningDay Safari Zone (Old Rod in Meadow and Wetland - default, with 2 Waterside points, and with 3 Waterside points; Good Rod in Meadow, default, and with 5 Waterside points; Good Rod in Wetland and Marshland, default; Super Rod in Meadow, Marshland and Wetland, default; Surfing in Rocky Beach, default) Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Sightseeing

Generation V Black White Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Fishing) Black 2 White 2 Routes 6, 19, 20, and 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Wellspring Cave, Clay Tunnel, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road (Fishing) Pinwheel Forest (Hidden Grotto)*

Generation VI X Y Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Good Rod or Super Rod) Pokémon Village, Frost Cavern, Victory Road (Surfing) Friend Safari (Water) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade

Generation VII Sun Moon Trade Zubat in Konikoni City Malie Garden (SOS Battle in rain) Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Malie Garden Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Routes 22, 23 and 25, Cerulean Cave (Sea Skim)

Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.2.0+ Expansion Pass Soothing Wetlands (Wanderer) Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courages Cavern (Max Raid Battle) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Route 225 (Super Rod) Routes 225, 227, 228 (Surfing) Grand Underground - Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex) Legends: Arceus Unobtainable

Generation IX Scarlet Violet TradeVersion 2.0.1+ The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge Tera Raid Battles (3★)

In side games

Generation I Pinball Evolve Poliwag

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Trozei! Secret Storage 11, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Northwind Field (10F-16F), Waterfall Pond (B9F-B13F) Ranger Krokka Tunnel, Panula Cave, Sekra Range

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Lake Afar (B1F-B12F) MD Sky Lake Afar (B1F-B12F) Rumble Bright Beach (Normale Mode C & A)

Generation V Rumble Blast Lake: Everspring Valley Rumble U Magical Lake: Let's Sing a Song

Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle: Stage 2Sa Rumble World Gold Plateau: Purifying Pond (All Areas), Plasma Tundra: Misty Moor (All Areas)

Generation VII Rumble Rush Charizard Sea2019, Castform Sea, Lugia Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal

Generation VIII MD DX Northwind Field (14F-19F), Murky Cave (9F-13F), Waterfall Pond (9F-13F) Fainted Pokémon: Southern Cavern

Cross-Generation Shuffle Blau Salon: Stage 447

In events

Wild Area News

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	30	June 4 to 6, 2021

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games		Held items
Red	Blue	Berry (100%)
Yellow
Gold	Silver	King's Rock (2%)
Crystal
Diamond	Pearl	King's Rock (5%)
Platinum
HeartGold	SoulSilver
Black	White
Black 2	White 2
X	Y
Sun	Moon	King's Rock (5%) Waterium Z (In-game trade, 100%)
Ultra Sun	Ultra Moon	King's Rock (5%)
Sword	Shield	King's Rock (Expansion Pass required, 5%)
Brilliant Diamond	Shining Pearl	King's Rock (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 65		125 - 172	240 - 334
Attack: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Defense: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Sp. Atk: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Def: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Speed: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Total: 385	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. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 50.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 3/4 ★★★☆	Stamina 3/4 ★★★☆
Jump 3/4 ★★★☆	Total 13/18 ★★☆

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 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon has Water Absorb, the effectiveness of  Water-type  moves is 0×.

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25 011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 011 Pound Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 011 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15 1818 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 2424 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00——% 5 3232 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15 4040 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10 4848 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5 5656 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000— 00——% 10 6666 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100100% 15

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

By TM

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM001 TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20 TM005 TM005 Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM011 TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20 TM012 TM012 Low Kick Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM018 TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM022 TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM028 TM028 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM034 TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM035 TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM039 TM039 Low Sweep Fighting Physical 06565 100}}100% 20 TM043 TM043 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM055 TM055 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TM058 TM058 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM066 TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TM069 TM069 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM077 TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM080 TM080 Metronome Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM110 TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10 TM120 TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM122 TM122 Encore Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 5 TM123 TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM128 TM128 Amnesia Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM133 TM133 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM135 TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM142 TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5 TM143 TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TM149 TM149 Earthquake Ground Physical 100100 100}}100% 10 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM174 TM174 Haze Ice Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM192 TM192 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20 TM193 TM193 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10 TM203 TM203 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM204 TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 TM205 TM205 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 5 TM208 TM208 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 085}}85% 15 TM209 TM209 Muddy Water Water Special 09090 085}}85% 10

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

By breeding

Generation IX Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Endeavor Normal Physical — 100% 5 Mist Ice Status — —% 30 Muddy Water Water Special 90 85% 10 Splash Normal Status — —% 40 Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20

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

By a prior Evolution

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - 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 Poliwhirl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwhirl Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Special moves

Generation IX Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII

Event   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Wild Tera Pokémon Brick Break Fighting Physical 75 100% 15 Wild Tera Pokémon Liquidation Water Physical 85 100% 10

A superscript level indicates that Poliwhirl can learn this move normally in Generation IX Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwhirl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwhirl Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Double Kick	Poliwhirl (Skyridge 88)
Energy Ball	Poliwhirl (EX Unseen Forces 68)

Animated series-only moves

Move	Type	Episode
Tackle	Normal	Wings 'N' Things

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball Acquisition: Evolve			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -19% Friend Area: Tadpole Pond Phrases 51%-100% HP Ground or water, I'm good for both! 26%-50% HP Hate to say this, but I'm down to half HP. 1%-25% HP I'm about done... There's no power left... Level up Yup! Leveled up! Let me at them!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0.5% IQ group: F
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Item delivery to Qwilfish Connected to: Tentacool, Magikarp, Qwilfish, Sliggoo Connection Orb Set: 13 Phrases Normal Look at the spiral pattern on my belly! Low HP (< 50%) Oh no! My slick, oily skin... It's drying out!
Pokémon Ranger Group: Water Poké Assist: Water Field move: (Soak ×2) Loops: 5 Min. exp.: 35 Max. exp.: 55 Browser entry R-053 Poliwhirl attacks with jets of water. Beware--it attacks repeatedly.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds Base HP: 52 Base Attack: 73 Base Defense: 50 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Water Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Water Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #592 Sleep Combo Increases damage done by combos if the foe is asleep.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 163 Base Attack: 130 Base Defense: 123 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 100 → 100 + 1 → Fast Attacks: Bubble, Mud Shot Charged Attacks: Water Pulse*, Mud Bomb, Bubble Beam, Scald†, Frustration, Return

Evolution data

Poliwhirl evolves from Poliwag starting at level 25 and evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock. Poliwhirl cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen before the player obtains the National Pokédex, as its evolution will be interupted. Poliwhirl also cannot evolve into Politoed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Politoed is not present in those games.

Unevolved Poliwag  Water	Level 25 →	First Evolution Poliwhirl  Water	Water Stone ↗	Second Evolution Poliwrath  Water  Fighting
			+ Trade holding King's Rock ↘	Second Evolution Politoed  Water

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!

Cross-Generation HOME

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

In the anime

Main series

Poliwhirl in Pokémon the Series

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwhirl

Misty had a Poliwhirl in The Totodile Duel that she caught as a Poliwag. It eventually evolved into a Politoed during Outrageous Fortunes.

Other

In Tie One On!, Vincent used a Poliwhirl in a battle against Macy. It was defeated by her Quilava despite having the type advantage.

Minor appearances

Poliwhirl's evolutionary line shown in Outrageous Fortunes

Poliwhirl debuted in Primeape Goes Bananas.

In The Battling Eevee Brothers, a Poliwhirl evolved into a Poliwrath during the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Chansey Operation.

A Poliwhirl appeared as an image in the Japanese version of The Ultimate Test.

In Riddle Me This, a Poliwhirl at the Pokémon Lab was targeted by Team Rocket.

In Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, multiple Poliwhirl were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Poliwhirl was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Friends to the End, a Trainer's Poliwhirl attended the closing ceremonies of the Indigo League.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

In In the Pink, Team Rocket's fantasy featured a pink Poliwhirl.

In The Power of One, multiple Poliwhirl sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

A wild Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

In Pokémon Double Trouble, a Poliwhirl was working out at the Kumquat Gym.

In Flower Power, two Poliwhirl were parts of Florando's annual Pokémon Exhibition.

In The Fire-ing Squad!, five Poliwhirl competed in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Poliwhirl participated in the Pokémon Beauty Contest.

In Around the Whirlpool, a Poliwhirl was stolen from the Pokémon Center of Blue Point Isle.

In Octillery The Outcast and Dueling Heroes, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Whirl Cup.

In Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!, multiple Poliwhirl were among the feuding Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Team Rocket's fantasy in Nice Pryce Baby.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Pop Goes The Sneasel.

In Journey to the Starting Line!, a Poliwhirl was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Poliwhirl to the school's underage students for use in lessons.

In Hokey Poké Balls!, a Poliwhirl was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

A Poliwhirl appeared in PK13.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pokéblock, Stock, and Berry.

A Coordinator's Poliwhirl appeared in Deceit and Assist.

In Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, Meredith was shown to own a Poliwhirl, which participated in the Marina Group's water shows.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Not on MY Watch Ya Don't!.

In A Faux Oak Finish!, Professor Oak spotted a Poliwhirl shortly before he was captured by a wild Quagsire.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

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

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Battle of Aerial Mobility!.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in a fantasy in Battling Into the Hall of Fame!.

In The Legend of the Ninja Hero!, a Poliwhirl lived at the Ninja Village.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Alola to New Adventure!.

In Racing to a Big Event!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Pokémon Pancake Race.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

Two Poliwhirl appeared in Alola, Kanto!, with one belonging to a Trainer and the other appearing in a lake.

In Smashing with Sketch!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competed in the Pokémon Ping-Pong tournament.

In I Choose Paradise!, two Trainers' Poliwhirl were at the Pokémon Paradise Resort.

In Securing the Future!, a Poliwhirl joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its normal form.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Turning the Other Mask!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Exciting Adventure!.

Two Poliwhirl appeared in a flashback in Enter Pikachu!.

In Caring for a Mystery!, four Poliwhirl battled a wild Riolu after it attacked them.

In The Cuteness Quotient!, a Trainer's Poliwhirl competing in the Friendship Festival was targeted by Team Rocket.

A Trainer's Poliwhirl appeared in Secrets of the Jungle.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Infinite Possibilities!. During the episode, a Poliwag evolved into another Poliwhirl.

In Heroes Unite!, a Poliwhirl appeared during a flashback.

A Poliwhirl appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Pendant That Starts It All (Part One), under the ownership of a Gardner.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP151 Poliwhirl Ash's Pokédex Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. Its highly developed muscles allow Poliwhirl to move efficiently on land, but it is even more agile in water.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN120 Poliwhirl Chloe's Rotom Phone Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. A Water type. Poliwhirl can live on land or in the water. Its skin always feels slippery. Staring at the swirl on its belly can result in drowsiness.

Pokémon Evolutions

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Discovery, briefly disrupting Green and her Blastoise in Cerulean Cave.

In the manga

Poliwhirl in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty's Poliwhirl appeared in The Grand Rhydon Plan.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!, where it was seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty's Poliwhirl made a cameo in To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That is the Question!. Misty wished she could evolve her Poliwhirl into a Poliwrath, but she was unable to because Evolution stones were too expensive.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Two Poliwhirl appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Poli

Main article: Polibo

A Poliwhirl nicknamed Poli was Red's first Pokémon. He debuted in A Glimpse of the Glow, but was caught before the start of the chapter as a Poliwag. He gained more importance in Lt. Surge's story arc, and evolved in Buzz Off, Electabuzz! while saving Red from drowning in the sea due to the presence of an underwater Water Stone.

In A Glimps of the Glow, a Poliwhirl was in Red's explanation of Pokémon to the children of Pallet Town.

A Poliwhirl appeared as a silhouette when Green talks about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

Gold's Poliwag, Polibo, evolved into Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore when Gold and Silver were trapped inside the Tin Tower. With Silver's knowledge of Pokémon trading, Gold temporarily traded Poliwhirl to Silver via their Pokédexes, prompting Poliwhirl to evolve into Politoed when the effects of his King's Rock activated from the trade, triggering the evolution.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Poliwhirl appeared as a Battle Factory Pokémon in Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming.

The Battle Factory rented a Poliwhirl, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in Skirting Around Surskit I.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Scizor Defends and Charizard Transforms as a resident of the Pokémon Village.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwhirl appeared in a flashback in Yveltal Steals.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Xerneas Gives.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

A Poliwhirl appeared in Let's Aim For The Goal!.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Raining Crystal Ball.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Lt. Surge owns a Poliwhirl, which appeared in The Big Activity In The Mountains And The Oceans!!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Which One is the Real Clefairy!?.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!, where it was one of the Pokémon that took part in a baseball match. It was seen with Green during the game.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious? as one of the participants of a curry cooking competition.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Seize the Dream of One Million Yen!!.

Giovanni's first Poliwhirl appeared in The Thrill of a Perfect Score, Big Rampage at the Amusement Park!. It evolved into a Poliwrath in order to get rid of Red and his Clefairy and Pikachu when they went to the amusement park that he built. Giovanni has another Poliwhirl that appeared in Get The Last Badge!!, where it was used in his Gym battle against Red.

A Poliwhirl appeared in The Legendary Moltres Appears!!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

A Poliwhirl appeared in I Won't Let You Lead!!.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Let's Go After The Pokémon Ranger!.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwhirl (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Poliwhirl only appears as a random trophy.

Trophy information

Poliwhirl is a Tadpole Pokémon able to live on either land or in the water. When on dry land, it's constantly sweating to keep its skin nice and slimy. When in danger, it spins the whirlpool marking on its stomach to put enemies into a deep sleep, then it runs away. It evolves into either Poliwrath or Politoed.

Trivia

Poliwhirl in the original Tokyo Pokémon Center logo

• The logo for the Pokémon Center in Tokyo featured Poliwhirl until it was replaced by Piplup in July 2007.
  • Poliwhirl was also featured prominently on the center of the November 22, 1999, issue of Time Magazine.
• Poliwhirl's sprites and artwork are inconsistent with respect to its gloves. Sometimes, they are depicted as mittens, while other times, they have separate fingers.
  • All spritework from FireRed and LeafGreen onwards feature Poliwhirl with mitten-like hands. Because of this, Poliwhirl is one of the few Pokémon to have its Emerald sprite differ from the Ruby and Sapphire one.
• Poliwhirl shares its category with Poliwag, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.

Origin

Poliwhirl may be based on a tadpole and a frog. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of tadpoles can sometimes be seen through their transparent skin. Its evolution is based on a tadpole's metamorphosis. Its arms appear to be based on gloves, and with its Fighting-type evolved form in mind, they may be based on boxing gloves specifically.

Name origin

Poliwhirl may be a combination of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole) and whirl or whirlpool.

Nyorozo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (onomatopoeia for wriggling) and 小僧 kozō (youngster).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニョロゾ Nyorozo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 小僧 kozō French Têtarte From têtard and tarte Spanish Poliwhirl Same as English name German Quaputzi From Kaulquappe and putzig Italian Poliwhirl Same as English name Korean 슈륙챙이 Syuryukchaengi* 수륙챙이 Suryukchaengi* From 수륙 (水陸) suryuk and 올챙이 olchaeng-i Mandarin Chinese 蚊香君 Wénxiāngjūn* 蚊香蛙 Wénxiāngwā* From 蚊香 wénxiāng and 君 jūn From 蚊香 wénxiāng and 蛙 wā Cantonese Chinese 蚊香君 Mānhēunggwān* 蚊香蛙 Mānhēungwā* From 蚊香 mānhēung and 君 gwān From 蚊香 mānhēung and 蛙 wā

More languages Hindi बैंगचिबिग Bangchibig From बैंग/बेँग bang and big Icelandic Fjölreiði* From the English name and reiði Lithuanian Polivirlas From the English name Russian Поливирл Polivirl Transcription of English name Thai เนียวโรโซ Niaoroso Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Misty's Poliwhirl
• Poli
• Polibo

External links

← #0060: Poliwag

Pokémon

#0062: Poliwrath →

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.