Poliwag (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0059: Arcanine	Pokémon	#0061: Poliwhirl →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwag (disambiguation).

Poliwag Tadpole Pokémon ニョロモ Nyoromo #0060 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 255 (43.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Water 1 Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 2'00" 0.6 m Poliwag 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 27.3 lbs. 12.4 kg Poliwag 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 77 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 60 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 1 Poliwag 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 1 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

Poliwag (Japanese: ニョロモ Nyoromo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into 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

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 Pokémon the Series episode The Stun Spore Detour, Poliwag is shown feeding on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.

Evolution

Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl, which 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

NPC appearances

• 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.

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto #060 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green Red(ENG) Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand. Blue Yellow The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking. Stadium The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.

Generation II Johto #072 Gold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water. Silver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this. Crystal The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats. Stadium 2 Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)

Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #060 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. Sapphire 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. 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. LeafGreen Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.

Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #072 Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. Pearl Platinum HeartGold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water. SoulSilver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.

Generation V Unova #— Black Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White Black 2 Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Mountain #033 Hoenn #— 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. Y The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking. 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. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Alola  S  M : #149 Alola  US  UM : #182 Kanto #060 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. Moon It's still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day. 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. 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. Let's Go Pikachu The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking. Let's Go Eevee

Generation VIII Galar Isle of Armor #142 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus. 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. 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. Brilliant Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. Shining Pearl

Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #39 Blueberry #— Scarlet The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It appears more clearly after Poliwag eats. Violet Its legs are newly grown, and it can't walk very well. It seems to prefer swimming through the water instead.

Poliwag in the Alola Pokédex	Poliwag in the Kitakami Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod) Pallet Town, Viridian City, Route 22 (Super Rod) Blue (Japan) Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod) Route 22, Pallet Town, Viridian City (Super Rod) Trade for Rattata on Route 5 Yellow Routes 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau (Good Rod) Routes 22 and 23, Viridian City (Super Rod)

Generation II Gold Silver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, and 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Crystal Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, and 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Routes 22, 30, 31, and 44Night

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

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Route 225 (Good Rod) Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) Platinum Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) HeartGold SoulSilver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver (Surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, and 45, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Cliff Edge Gate (Good Rod and Super Rod) Cerulean Cave (Old Rod and Good Rod) Mt. Moon Square (Surfing and fishing) Safari Zone (fishing in Meadow, default; Surfing in Marshland, default; Old Rod in Marshland - default, with 2 Waterside points, and with 3 Waterside points; Surfing in Rocky Beach, default; fishing and Surfing in Wetland, default) Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Beautiful Beach, Blue Lake

Generation V Black White Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod) Black 2 White 2 Routes 6, 19, 20, and 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod) Dream World Pleasant Forest

Generation VI X Y Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod) Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade

Generation VII Sun Moon Brooklet Hill (walking and Surfing) Malie Garden, Poké Pelago* Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Brooklet Hill (walking and Surfing) 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 Brawlers' Cave (walking and Surfing) Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Courageous Cavern (Max Raid Battle) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Route 225 (Good Rod) Routes 227 and 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 Kitakami Road, Reveler's Road, Mossfell Confluence, Fellhorn Gorge Tera Raid Battles (1★)

In side games

Generation I Snap River Pinball Blue Field: Viridian City

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

Generation III Channel Secret Cove Trozei! Phobos Submarine, Endless Level 22, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Silent Chasm (B5F-B9F), Northwind Field (1F-4F), Waterfall Pond (B1F-B5F) Ranger Krokka Tunnel

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Waterfall Cave (B1F-B8F), Serenity River (B1F-B7F) MD Sky Waterfall Cave (B1F-B8F), Serenity River (B1F-B7F) Rumble Bright Beach (Normal Mode C)

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

Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle: Stage 1Sa 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 Silent Chasm (4F-7F), Northwind Field (1F-5F), Murky Cave (1F-5F), Waterfall Pond (1F-5F), Purity Forest (23F-27F), Oddity Cave (3F-4F), Remains Island (3F-4F), Marvelous Sea (3F-4F), Fantasy Strait (3F-4F)

Cross-Generation Shuffle Blau Salon: Stage 425

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Growth Poliwag	English	United States	5	June 8 to 21, 2002
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Lovely Kiss Poliwag	English	United States	5	February 7 to 13, 2003
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Sweet Kiss Poliwag	English	United States	5	February 7 to 13, 2003
FRLG	Egg Pokémon Present Poliwag	Japanese	Japan	5	March 21 to April 4, 2004

Wild Area News

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	17	June 4 to 6, 2021
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	17, 30, 40, 50, 60	July 1 to 10, 2022

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

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 40		100 - 147	190 - 284
Attack: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Defense: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Atk: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Def: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Speed: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Total: 300	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 40.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/4 ★★★☆	Power 1/2 ★☆
Skill 2/3 ★★☆	Stamina 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump 2/4 ★★☆☆	Total 11/18 ★★☆

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% 20 066 Pound Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35 1212 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15 1818 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 2424 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00——% 5 3030 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15 3636 Earth Power Ground Special 09090 100100% 10 4242 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5 4848 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000— 00——% 10 5454 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwag 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 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 TM066 TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM077 TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 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 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 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 Poliwag Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Poliwag 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 Poliwag Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwag Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Rollout	Poliwag (Neo Discovery 62) Poliwag (Expedition 125)
Tackle	Poliwag (Legends Awakened 114)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball   Acquisition: Catch			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.1% Friend Area: Tadpole Pond Phrases 51%-100% HP It's easier for me in the water! 26%-50% HP I only have half my HP left... 1%-25% HP No more, please... I'm nearly fainting... Help... Level up Yippee! I leveled up! I'm so happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: F
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Raise the Expedition Rank to Gold Connected to: Poliwrath, Tympole Connection Orb Set: 12 Phrases Normal I want to swim a lot and keep my skin moist! Poli! Low HP (< 50%) Argh... It's getting rough. Poli...
Pokémon Ranger Group: Water Poké Assist: Water Field move: (Soak ×1) Loops: 4 Min. exp.: 20 Max. exp.: 30 Browser entry R-052 If Poliwag spots a Ranger, it becomes startled and dives underwater.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.97 seconds Base HP: 45 Base Attack: 67 Base Defense: 45 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Water Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Water Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #591 Cheer Increases the chance that the next match's skill is triggered.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 120 Base Attack: 101 Base Defense: 82 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 25 Fast Attacks: Bubble, Mud Shot Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Mud Bomb, Body Slam, Frustration, Return

Evolution data

Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which 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 Poliwag images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In the anime

Main series

Poliwag in Pokémon the Series

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwag

Misty caught a Poliwag in The Stun Spore Detour, which eventually evolved in The Totodile Duel into a Poliwhirl and then into a Politoed during Outrageous Fortunes.

Other

In Gonna Rule The School, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Poliwag to Max. He used it in a battle against Tommy, who was training with a Magby. It helped defeat Team Rocket later on.

In Like It Or Lup It!, a Poliwag was part of a group also consisting of a Wooper and a Quagsire, and led by a Golduck.

Minor appearances

Poliwag debuted in Primeape Goes Bananas.

A Poliwag appeared in a fantasy in the banned episode EP035.

A Poliwag appeared in A Chansey Operation.

A Poliwag appeared as an image in The Ultimate Test.

A Poliwag appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.

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

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

In Pallet Party Panic, a Poliwag was at a party in Pallet Town.

In Pikachu Re-Volts, Cassidy and Butch controlled a Poliwag at Mandarin Island North.

A Poliwag appeared in Marina's fantasy in Bye Bye Psyduck.

In The Joy of Pokémon, a Trainer's Poliwag was treated by the Nurse Joy of an unnamed island.

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

Multiple wild Poliwag appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

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

A Poliwag appeared in a fantasy in The Totodile Duel.

In Carrying On!, a sick Poliwag was in Way Away Island's Pokémon Center.

In Got Miltank?, a Poliwag lived at a Pokémon-exclusive oasis.

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

Multiple Poliwag appeared in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

In The Legend of Thunder!, a Poliwag was at a Pokémon Center.

In A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!, Flint revealed that the reason he had fallen in love with Lola was the precision of her Poliwag's Hydro Pump against his Graveler, now a Golem. It reappeared in a fantasy in Grating Spaces!.

A Poliwag appeared in The Scheme Team.

A Coordinator's Poliwag appeared in The Saffron Con.

A Poliwag appeared in On Olden Pond as a resident of an old lake.

A Coordinator's Poliwag appeared in Harley Rides Again.

In Curbing the Crimson Tide!, Hiroshi's Poliwag battled a disguised Scizor known as "Red Lightning". It was defeated and had markings scribbled on its face afterwards.

In Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, the Marina Group used two Poliwag for their water show.

In Once More With Reeling!, a Coordinator's Poliwag competed in the Terracotta Contest.

In Not on MY Watch Ya Don't!, a Poliwag was hypnotized and kidnapped by Team Rocket.

In Up Close and Personable!, a Poliwag was living at the lake near the Pokémon Summer Academy.

A Poliwag appeared in Jessie's fantasy in One Big Happiny Family!.

A Poliwag appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

In Coming Full-Festival Circle!, multiple Poliwag listened to Nando as he played his music.

A Poliwag briefly appeared in League Unleashed!, under the ownership of a girl.

A Poliwag appeared in The Dream Continues!.

In a flashback in Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!, a Poliwag startled a young Serena, which resulted in her injuring her knee.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Adventures in Running Errands!.

In The Legend of the Ninja Hero!, a Poliwag was living in the Ninja Village.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A League of His Own!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Rocking Kalos Defenses!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, with one under the ownership of a Trainer and the other being wild.

A Poliwag appeared in The Guardian's Challenge!.

In Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!, a Poliwag was walking along an island where Ash, his classmates, and Professor Kukui were taking a break from fishing.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in I Choose You!.

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

Two Poliwag appeared in Alola, Kanto!, with one under the ownership of a Trainer, while the other was in a lake.

Two Poliwag appeared in Dewpider Ascending!, with one appearing at the Pokémon School.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Tough Guy Trials!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

Multiple Trainers' Poliwag appeared in The Power of Us.

In I Choose Paradise!, a Poliwag was at the Pokémon Paradise Resort.

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

A Poliwag appeared in Keeping Your Eyes on the Ball!.

A Poliwag appeared in Pikachu's Exciting Adventure!.

Two Trainers' Poliwag appeared in League Offenders and Defenders!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Z-Move Showdown!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Exhibition Unmasked!.

In From Z to Shining Z!, a Trainer's Poliwag watched the battle between Ash's Pikachu and Tapu Koko. It reappeared in a flashback in Helping the Hometown Hero!.

Multiple Poliwag appeared in Enter Pikachu!.

Five Poliwag appeared in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!.

In Dreams Are Made of These!, Goh caught a Poliwag during a Pokémon Orienteering competition. It has since made further appearances in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

In Caring for a Mystery!, five Poliwag battled a wild Riolu after it attacked them.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A Festival Reunion!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Toughing It Out!.

Two Trainers' Poliwag appeared in Trade, Borrow, and Steal!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Getting More Than You Battled For!. Another Poliwag was swimming in a swamp at Cero Island.

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

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Sobble Spies a Stealthy Strategy!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Memories of a Warming Kindness!.

In On Land, In the Sea, and to the Future!, a Trainer's Poliwag competed in the Kids Marine Athletic Race.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Take My Thief! Please!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Infinite Possibilities!. One of them evolved into a Poliwhirl.

A Poliwag appeared in Heroes Unite!, with another appearing in a flashback.

Five Poliwag appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

Four Poliwag appeared in The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Tinkatink's Ideal Hammer.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP110 Salveyo weed Ash's Pokédex An effective Stun Spore antidote can be made by boiling the leaves of the Salveyo weed. Salveyo weed is found on clear lake bottoms wherever Vileplume live. Poliwag are also found in the vicinity of this plant. EP110 Poliwag Ash's Pokédex Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN120 Poliwag Chloe's Rotom Phone Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. A Water type. The swirl on its body is its internal organs seen through its skin. The swirl can look different, depending on where a Poliwag lives.

Pokémon Origins

Poliwag in Pokémon Origins

Two Poliwag appeared in File 3: Giovanni.

POKÉTOON

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Blossom's Dream.

A Poliwag appeared in Wait for Me, Magikarp!.

In the manga

Poliwag in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

In Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!, a Poliwag was at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Main article: Misty's Poliwag

Misty is shown with a Poliwag in Clefairy Tale. It later evolved into a Poliwhirl.

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Poliwag appeared in How Do You Do, Pikachu?.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Two Poliwag appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pocket Monsters HGSS

A Poliwag appeared in PMHGSS01.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Poli

Main article: Polibo

In Bulbasaur, Come Home!, a Poliwag escaped from Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Danger: High Voltorb, a flashback showed Red's Poliwhirl, nicknamed Poli, as a Poliwag. He has since evolved into Poliwrath.

In Murkrow Row, Gold has a Poliwag, which was one of the many Pokémon raised in the house he lived in. He was lost when Team Rocket stole Gold's backpack and his Poké Ball was lost when it fell into the water. Gold eventually retrieved Poliwag at the Famous Fishing Zone from a wild Granbull that was stealing to draw attention so that it could get its jaw healed. He evolved into a Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore, and then into a Politoed utilizing a trade with his held King's Rock.

In Slugging It Out With Slugma, a Poliwag was at Earl's Pokémon Academy in Violet City.

In Scizor Defends, multiple Poliwag were living at the Pokémon Village. One of them reappeared in Charizard Transforms.

A Poliwag appeared in Malamar Traps.

A Poliwag appeared in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwag appeared in a flashback in Chesnaught Protects.

A Poliwag appeared in True Identity and the Totem Pokémon of Brooklet Hill.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Let's Fight For The Future!!.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

Shu caught a Poliwag in Catch the Poliwag!.

A Poliwag appeared in GDZ23.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Poliwag appeared in Demanding Tests at the Pokémon School!.

Ruby has a Poliwag, as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

Ruby has a Poliwag at his house, as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwag (TCG)

In the TFG

One Poliwag figure has been released.

• Groundbreakers: Poliwag

Trivia

• Poliwag is Satoshi Tajiri's favorite Pokémon.
• In its FireRed Pokédex entry, it is stated Poliwag has black skin. The Ruby and Sapphire Pokédex entry for Poliwhirl states that Poliwhirl's skin is covered in oily fluid—if the same applies to Poliwag, it might be a case similar to the common bilberry: the berry itself is black but covered in a wax-like coating that makes it look blue.
• In The Official Pokémon Handbook, published by Scholastic, the back cover says "Did you know that the swirls on Poliwhirl's stomach changes direction when it evolves into Poliwag?" However, Poliwhirl evolves from, not into, Poliwag.
• Generation V 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.
• In Pokémon Adventures, Poliwag holds the record as the Pokémon who takes the least amount of time to evolve twice, taking only one chapter. It shares this with Caterpie and Togepi.
• Poliwag shares its species name with Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.
• Prior to Generation VI, Poliwag and Ditto had the same cry.
• A prototype design of Poliwag was shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website in 1997.
• The Red and Blue Pokedex entries state Poliwag are born without legs. However with the addition of Pokémon Eggs in the next generation, Poliwag are shown to be born with legs.

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the intestines of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin. Poliwag's Pokémon Silver Pokédex entry saying that the direction of its belly spiral differs by area relative the equator may allude to the coriolis effect.

Name origin

Poliwag may be derived from polliwog (outdated term for tadpole), which is formed from Middle English words pol (head) and wiglen (to wiggle). It may also involve wag (to swing from side to side).

Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (onomatopoeia for wriggling) and 子供 kodomo (child).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニョロモ Nyoromo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 子供 kodomo French Ptitard From petit and têtard Spanish Poliwag Same as English name German Quapsel From Kaulquappe Italian Poliwag Same as English name Korean 발챙이 Balchengi From 발 bal and 올챙이 olchaeng-i Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Wénxiāngkēdǒu From 蚊香 wénxiāng and 蝌蚪 kēdǒu Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Mānhēungfōdáu From 蚊香 mānhēung and 蝌蚪 fōdáu

More languages Hindi बैंगचिबि Bangchibi From बैंग/बेँग bang and ちび chibi Icelandic Fjölli* Similar to the English name Lithuanian Polivagas From the English name Russian Поливаг Polivag Transcription of English name Thai เนียวโรโมะ Niaoromo Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Misty's Poliwag
• Poli
• Polibo

References

← #0059: Arcanine

Pokémon

#0061: Poliwhirl →

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.