Poliwhirl (Pokémon)

← #060: Poliwag	Pokémon	#062: Poliwrath →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwhirl (disambiguation).

Poliwhirl ニョロゾ Nyorozo #061
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Water ' 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 #061 Johto #073 Hoenn #248 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-053 Almia R— Oblivia
Height 3'03" Imperial 1.0 m Metric 3'03"/1.0 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 44.1 lbs. Imperial 20.0 kg Metric 44.1 lbs./20.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 120 (15.7%)
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 2 Base Exp.: 131 Battle Exp.: 1311*
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 Template:Type2 Pokémon.

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

Biology

Physiology

Poliwag undergoes a dramatic change when it evolves to Poliwhirl. The most notable difference is that it has become bigger and gained arms with gloved hands while losing its tail. The eyes have moved to the top of its head and it apparently loses its visible mouth. Its nostrils are now visible. Curiously, the swirl on its abdomen as Poliwag reverses when it evolves. The skin on most of Poliwhirl’s body is moist, due to an oily fluid. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

In addition to the abilities it had as Poliwag, Poliwhirl can now walk and swim even better than before. 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. Staring at the swirl on Poliwhirl’s belly may gradually cause drowsiness, a property that Poliwhirl puts to use when performing the move Hypnosis. As a Template:Type2, Poliwhirl can learn Water-type moves such as Bubble and Water Gun and, using its glove-like hands, moves like DoubleSlap and Wake-Up Slap.

Behavior

Poliwhirl is skilled at walking and thus is capable of living on land, but prefers to stay in water, where there is less danger. If it is out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist. If it hears the echoing cries from its evolution, Politoed, it shall respond by gathering from far and wide.

Habitat

File:Watersedge.gif

Water's-edge Pokémon

Poliwhirl live in small freshwater ponds and lakes, usually ones that have an abundance of lily pads. They can be found in Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh and Unova.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Poliwhirl in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Politoed

Misty had a Poliwhirl in The Totodile Duel that she caught as a Poliwag; it eventually evolved into a Politoed.

Other

A Poliwhirl was one of the Water Pokémon feuding with the Template:Type2s in Bulbasaur...the Ambassador.

In Tie One On!, Vincent used a Poliwhirl in his battle with Macy.

A Poliwhirl was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

Minor appearances

Poliwhirl appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

Another Poliwhirl appeared in A Faux Oak Finish!.

Also, a Poliwhirl appeared in The Battling Eevee Brothers, where it evolved into a Poliwrath.

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, plus making it more agile in water.

In the manga

File:Poli as Poliwhirl.png

Poliwhirl as it appears in Pokémon Adventures

In the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty's Poliwhirl makes a cameo in To Evolve or Not to Evolve, That is the Question!. Misty wishes she could evolve her Poliwhirl into a Poliwrath, however, she is unable to because evolutionary stones are too expensive.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Poli

Main article: Polibo

Poli was Red's first Pokémon. It debuted in the first round of the Red, Green & Blue arc, A Glimpse of the Glow as Poliwhirl, however was captured before the start of the chapter as a Poliwag. It gained more importance in Lt. Surge's story arc, in fact it evolved in Buzz Off, Electabuzz! while saving Red from drowning in the sea due to the specks of Water Stone present in the water.

Gold's Poliwag (Polibo) evolved into Poliwhirl in Volume 9 when Gold and Silver were trapped inside 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 its King's Rock activated from the trade, triggering the evolution.

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.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly 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 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.
Generation III 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 {{{sapphiredex}}} 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 Diamond The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} 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 Black The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it gradually causes drowsiness. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Route 10 and Celadon City with Super Rod Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Common Route 23 with Super Rod
Generation II Gold Silver Common Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, and Viridian City (Surfing) Crystal Common Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, and Viridian City (Surfing)
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Uncommon Routes 6, 22, 23, and 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, and Ruin Valley (Fishing) Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Uncommon Routes 225, 227, and 228 (Fish with Super Rod or Surf) Platinum Common Routes 227 and 228 (Surf) HeartGold SoulSilver Uncommon Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Mt. Silver, Violet City, Viridian City, and Cerulean Cave (Surfing) Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Sightseeing
Generation V Black White Rare (Fishing) Common (Rippling Water) Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod) Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball	Evolve Poliwag
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 11 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Northwind Field (10F-16F) Waterfall Pond (9F-13F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Lake Afar (B1-B24)
Pokémon Ranger	Krokka Tunnel Panula Cave Sekra Mountain Range
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Gold	Silver	King's Rock (8%)
Crystal
Diamond	Pearl	King's Rock (5%)
Platinum

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 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 00Start Bubble Water Special 02020 100100% 30 00Start Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 055 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 2727 BubbleBeam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 3232 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15 3737 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 4343 Wake-Up Slap Fighting Physical 06060 100100% 10 4848 Hydro Pump Water Special 120120 08080% 5 5353 Mud Bomb Ground Special 06565 08585% 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 of Poliwhirl 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
	TM26	Earthquake	Ground	Physical	100100	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	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
	TM56	Fling	Dark	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	10
	TM78	Bulldoze	Ground	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	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 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 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 Poliwhirl 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 Poliwhirl in that game. 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 tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Poliwhirl can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Poliwhirl cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

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

TCG-only moves

• Double Kick
• Energy Ball

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 061.png 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! 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 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 Ranger Group:  Water  Poké Assist: ( Water ) Field move: (Soak ×2) Loops: 5 Min. exp.: 35 Max. exp.: 55 Browser entry   Poliwhirl attacks with jets of water. Beware--it attacks repeatedly.
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 N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A 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 Poliwhirl images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

File:Pokemon Center Tokyo Logo.gif

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 22nd, 1999 issue of Time Magazine.
• Poliwhirl is creator Satoshi Tajiri's favorite Pokémon.
• 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 s and LeafGreen s 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 s and Sapphire s one.
• In Generation I sprites prior to Pokémon Yellow, the swirl on Poliwhirl's stomach goes in a clockwise direction, starting from the outside. But in other sprites, it is in the counter-clockwise direction. The same goes for Poliwrath.
• Poliwhirl is the first Pokémon in National Pokédex order to evolve by trading while holding an item.
• Poliwhirl's Speed does not improve upon evolving from Poliwag, and in fact worsens upon its evolution into either Poliwrath or Politoed.
• There is a trainer on Route 21 who says his swim teacher had a face that looked like a Poliwhirl.

Origin

Poliwhirl is based on a tadpole. 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.

Name origin

Poliwhirl appears to be a combination of polliwog and whirl, referring to the spiral on its stomach. Its Japanese name may come in part from ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro, the sound of slithering.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Quaputzi From Kaulquappe and putzig. French Tetarte From têtard and tarte. Korean 수륙챙이 Suryukchaengi From suryuk and olchaengi. Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) 蚊香蛙 Wén Xiāng Wā From 蚊香, a kind of spiral-shaped mosquito repellent used in China; literally "mosquito repellent frog".

Related articles

• Misty's Poliwhirl

Notes

← #060: Poliwag

Pokémon

#062: 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.