Poliwag (Pokémon)

← #059: Arcanine	Pokémon	#061: Poliwhirl →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwag (disambiguation).

Poliwag ニョロモ Nyoromo #060
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Tadpole Pokémon
Abilities Water Absorb or Damp Damp Blue-Striped ----- Swift Swim Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #060 Johto #072 Hoenn #247 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-052 Almia R— Oblivia
Height 2'00" Imperial 0.6 m Metric 2'00"/0.6 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 27.3 lbs. Imperial 12.4 kg Metric 27.3 lbs./12.4 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 255 (33.3%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Water 1 group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 1 Base Exp.: 60 Battle Exp.: 601*
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.

It evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or into Politoed when traded holding a King's Rock.

Biology

Physiology

Poliwag resembles a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes, a pink mouth, and a long, mostly transparent tail. It has newly developed legs that still are not used to walking. Poliwag's most famous feature is the black and white swirl on its abdomen, which is actually its innards showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl looks clearer after it eats, and the skin is very elastic so that it will not break if the Pokémon is bitten. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area, with the equator being thought to have an effect on this.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Along with the standard Water-related abilities, it is capable of making its opponent drowsy with Hypnosis. Its skin is also very damp, making it very slippery and therefore difficult to get hold of. Their Speed stat is above average, allowing them to evade shots of electricity quickly. Their tail can also be used for attacks like DoubleSlap, Belly Drum, and Wake-Up Slap, with the latter being fairly strong after a Hypnosis.

Behavior

They are more likely found swimming than on dry land. If they are startled, they immediately run away.

Habitat

File:Watersedge.gif

Water's-edge Pokémon

Poliwag can be found in small freshwater ponds and lakes that have an abundance of lily pads, as well as along the banks of tropical rivers. It is a common sight in Kanto and Johto, but can be found in Sinnoh and Unova as well. In Unova, they are most notably found in bodies of water within caves.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime, Poliwag feed on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.

In the anime

Poliwag in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwag

Misty had a Poliwag that eventually evolved into a Poliwhirl and then a Politoed.

Other

One of the Pokémon used at the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School was a Poliwag. Max used it in a battle. It helped defeat Team Rocket later on.

Minor appearances

Poliwag first appeared in Primeape Goes Bananas.

Poliwag also appeared in the banned episode EP035.

A Poliwag appeared in A Chansey Operation and The Breeding Center Secret.

Multiple Poliwag were among the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral.

Poliwag also appeared in Pallet Party Panic, at a party among other Pokémon.

A Poliwag was among the Pokémon controlled by Cassidy and Butch in Pikachu Re-Volts.

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

A Poliwag under the ownership of an unnamed Trainer was treated by Nurse Joy in The Joy of Pokémon.

Multiple Poliwag also appeared in The Power of One and Pokémon Heroes.

Four Poliwag were among the Pokémon competing in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix in The Fire-ing Squad!.

A Poliwag was one of the inhabitants of an oasis just for Pokémon in Got Miltank?.

A Poliwag was seen in Octillery The Outcast, under the ownership of an unknown Trainer.

A Poliwag made a brief appearance in Dueling Heroes.

A Poliwag was seen at a Pokémon Center in The Legend of Thunder!.

Lola has a Poliwag as seen in A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!. In that episode, 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.

A Poliwag appeared in The Saffron Con as a Pokémon owned by a Coordinator.

A Poliwag appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!, and another in Up Close and Personable!.

Multiple Poliwag were owned by a family of traveling circus performers in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

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

A Poliwag appeared in Bagged Then Tagged!.

Multiple Poliwag made a brief appearance in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

A Poliwag made a very brief appearance in League Unleashed!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP110 Poliwag Ash's Pokédex Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a good swimmer.

In the manga

File:Poli as Poliwag.png

Red's Poliwrath, Poli, as a Poliwag

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Poli

Main article: Polibo

Poliwag makes a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory.

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

Polibo, Gold's Poliwag

Gold has a Poliwag in Volume 8, one of the many Pokémon raised in the house he lived in. It was lost when Team Rocket stole Gold's backpack and its Poké Ball was lost when 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. It evolved into Poliwhirl in Volume 9 and then evolved straight into Politoed utilizing a trade with its held King's Rock.

In the Pokémon Get da ze! manga

Shū has a Poliwag in the Pokémon Get da ze! manga.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Misty's Politoed

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

In the Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire manga

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

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwag (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

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

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking. 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 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.
Generation III 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 {{{sapphiredex}}} 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 Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} 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 Black Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 with Good Rod Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 with Super Rod Blue (Japan) Unknown Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 with Good Rod Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 with Super Rod Trade for Rattata on Route 5 Yellow Common Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 with Good Rod Viridian City and Routes 22 and 23 with Super Rod
Generation II Gold Silver Many Routes 16, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, and 44, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, Viridian City, and Blackthorn City (Fish) Crystal Many Routes 16, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, and 44, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, Viridian City, and Blackthorn City (Fish)
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Common Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Four Island, Fuchsia City, Viridian City, Berry Forest, Cape Brink, Cerulean City, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley, and Safari Zone (Fish) Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Uncommon Routes 225, 226, and 227 (Good Rod) Platinum Common Routes 227 and 228 (Surf) HeartGold SoulSilver Common Routes 6, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, 44, 45, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Blackthorn City, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Mt. Silver, Cliff Cave, Viridian City, Cerulean Cave (While Fishing) Safari Zone Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Beautiful Beach and Blue Lake
Generation V Black White Common Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod) Black 2 White 2 Unknown Routes 6, 19, 20, 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 None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Channel	Secret Cove
Pokémon Pinball	Pallet Town Viridian City
Pokémon Trozei!	Phobos Submarine Endless Level 22 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Silent Chasm (5F-9F) Northwind Field (1F-4F) Waterfall Pond (1F-5F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Waterfall Cave (B1-B8) Serenity River (B1-B7)
Pokémon Ranger	Krokka Tunnel
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Lake: Everspring Valley

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
List of Nintendo event Pokémon in Generation II#Lovely Kiss Poliwag	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station!	United States	2003	5	Never
List of Nintendo event Pokémon in Generation II#Sweet Kiss Poliwag	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station!	United States	2003	5	Never
List of Japanese Nintendo event Pokémon in 2004#Poliwag	PCJP Distribution #2	Japan	2004	5	Never

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
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 V, 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× 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× 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× 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× None

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Water Sport Water Status 0000— ——% 15 055 Bubble Water Special 02020 100100% 30 088 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 1111 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25 1515 DoubleSlap Normal Physical 01515 08585% 10 1818 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— ——% 5 2121 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15 2525 BubbleBeam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 2828 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15 3131 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 3535 Wake-Up Slap Fighting Physical 06060 100100% 10 3838 Hydro Pump Water Special 120120 08080% 5 4141 Mud Bomb Ground Special 06565 08585% 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 of Poliwag Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM07	Hail	Ice	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM13	Ice Beam	Ice	Special	09595	100}}100%	10
	TM14	Blizzard	Ice	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM55	Scald	Water	Special	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM05	Waterfall	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM06	Dive	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	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 of Poliwag Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	BubbleBeam	Water	Special	65	100%	20
	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
	Endeavor	Normal	Physical	—	100%	5
	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Haze	Ice	Status	—	—%	30
	Ice Ball	Ice	Physical	30	90%	20
	Mind Reader	Normal	Status	—	—%	5
	Mist	Ice	Status	—	—%	30
	Mud Shot	Ground	Special	55	95%	15
	Refresh	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
	Splash	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
	Water Pulse	Water	Special	60	100%	20
	Water Sport	Water	Status	—	—%	15
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Poliwag in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Poliwag in that game. 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

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Endeavor	Normal	Physical	—	100%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Helping Hand	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
B	W	B2	W2	Icy Wind	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Poliwag can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Poliwag cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

Dream World moves

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Pleasant Forest	Mist	Ice	Status	—	100%	30
Pleasant Forest	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
A superscript level indicates that Poliwag can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level 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 event 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 Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 060.png 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! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. 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 Ranger Group:  Water  Poké Assist: ( Water ) Field move: (Soak ×1) Loops: 4 Min. exp.: 20 Max. exp.: 30 Browser entry   If Poliwag spots a Ranger, it becomes startled and dives underwater.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

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

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• Poliwag is the favorite Pokémon of Satoshi Tajiri.
• The swirl on Poliwag's stomach is in the opposite direction to Poliwhirl's and Poliwrath's, but in the same direction of the light green swirl on the stomach of Politoed.
• 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.
• Despite having a visible tail, it cannot learn any moves that require a tail.
  • On the flip side, despite having no visible hands, it can learn Encore, Wake-Up Slap and Belly Drum.
    • In the anime, however, Poliwag has used its tail for Belly Drum.
• 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.
• Though its HeartGold Pokédex entry states that it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it has been seen standing and even walking on its legs in several other games and in the anime.
• 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.
• Poliwag shares its species name with Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all the Tadpole Pokémon.
• In the games, Poliwag and Ditto have the same cry.
• A prototype design of Poliwag was shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website.

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin.

Name origin

Poliwag is a corruption of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole). Wag may refer to its long tail, although it is worth noting that polliwog literally means "head-wiggle."

Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering) 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 Balchaengi From bal and olchaengi Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Wénxiāngkēdǒu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪 Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Mānhēungfōdáu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪

More languages

Related articles

• Misty's Poliwag

Notes

← #059: Arcanine

Pokémon

#061: 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.