Aerodactyl (Pokémon)

← #141: Kabutops

Pokémon

#143: Snorlax →

Aerodactyl プテラ Ptera #142
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Rock Flying Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Fossil Pokémon
Abilities Rock Head or Pressure Pressure Blue-Striped ----- Unnerve Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #142 Johto #229 Hoenn #297 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-198 Almia R-258 Oblivia
Height 5'11" Imperial 1.8 m Metric 5'11"/1.8 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 130.1 lbs. Imperial 59.0 kg Metric 130.1 lbs./59.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Purple	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 87.5% male, 12.5% female
Breeding Flying group 31 cycles (7905 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 2 Base Exp.: 202 Battle Exp.: 2021*
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

Aerodactyl (Japanese: プテラ Ptera) is a dual-type Rock/Flying fossil Pokémon.

It is resurrected from Old Amber and is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Biology

It is widely considered to be extinct, and is only found by resurrecting it from the Old Amber.

Physiology

A ferocious, prehistoric Pokémon, it possesses serrated, saw-blade-like fangs that it uses to tear through the throats of its prey. Its wings have skin stretched from its side to its arms. The triangular-shaped tip of its tail is gray, like the tail itself which is connected to its oval body. Aerodactyl have dark green eyes, though the iris is barely visible.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Aerodactyl is capable of flying at great speeds and tearing through prey with its fangs. It is also very durable due to its rock-hard body. Aerodactyl also shows some form of relationship to Dragons, thus allowing it to learn Dragon- and Fire-type moves, such as Dragon Claw, Fire Blast, and Flamethrower.

Behavior

Aerodactyl's preferred method of killing its victims is by tearing through the throats of its victims with its serrated, saw-like fangs.

Habitat

File:Mountain.gif

Mountain Pokémon

The exact habitat of Aerodactyl is unknown even though some living samples have been found miles underground in caves, but so far most Aerodactyl are revived from Old Amber. It most likely lived in mountainous areas.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the episode Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon, Ash's Pokédex states "Its hard fangs suggest it might have been a carnivore. Its sharp claws were probably used to capture prey."

In the episode Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl, the Aerodactyl seemed to enjoy eating a pear-like fruit that grew in the forests of an island.

In the anime

Aerodactyl in the anime

Major appearances

Aerodactyl first appeared in Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon. It scared off the other Generation I fossil Pokémon that were chasing Ash and Team Rocket. It then kidnapped the young Trainer, who was rescued by his Charizard. Todd took a photo of this Aerodactyl, which was seen in Pokémon Paparazzi.

Fossils of Kabutops and Aerodactyl were resurrected by Annie and Oakley in Pokémon Heroes; in the English dub, they were once used by an evil Pokémon Trainer to torment the civilians of Alto Mare, but were drowned when a Latios brought water to the city. They were sent to chase after Ash and Latias. They have blank, yellow-tinted eyes with no pupils and are lined with a thick black outline.

Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl featured an Aerodactyl that was revived by Gary Oak. The Aerodactyl seemed to enjoy eating a pear-like fruit that grew in the forests of an island. Team Rocket agents Butch and Cassidy wanted to steal this Aerodactyl in order to present it to Dr. Namba, but were stopped by Gary's Umbreon and Dodrio, and the Aerodactyl itself, who sent the two Rockets flying with a Hyper Beam.

Another Aerodactyl appeared in Wild in the Streets, where it terrorized Oreburgh City after being revived from its fossil state.

Minor appearances

Aerodactyl can be seen flying within the Tree of Beginning in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

An Aerodactyl appeared in the opening scenes of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP046 Aerodactyl Ash's Pokédex Aerodactyl, an extinct Flying Pokémon. Its hard fangs suggest that it was a carnivore. Its sharp claws were probably used to capture prey.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP017 Aerodactyl Dawn's Pokédex Aerodactyl, the Fossil Pokémon. An ancient Template:Type2, it is equipped with sharp saw-like teeth.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Red obtains an Aerodactyl from a resurrected piece of Old Amber which he revives in Holy Moltres. He has since then used it extensively for aerial transportation and combat.

Lance has his own Aerodactyl that he also uses for aerial transportation and combat.

In the TCG

Main article: Aerodactyl (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire: In the Ruby Field, once an egg has been hatched, Aerodactyl will fly by and replace it the next time the ball rolls into the Egg Stand.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red A ferocious, prehistoric Pokémon that goes for the enemy's throat with its serrated saw-like fangs. Blue Yellow A savage Pokémon that died out in ancient times. It was resurrected using DNA taken from amber. Stadium A Pokémon that was resurrected from the genes of an ancient dinosaur. With sharp fangs, it is very vicious.
Generation II Gold A vicious Pokémon from the distant past, it appears to have flown by spreading its wings and gliding. Silver This vicious Pokémon is said to have flown in ancient skies while shrieking high-pitched cries. Crystal In prehistoric times, this Pokémon flew freely and fearlessly through the skies. Stadium 2 A vicious Pokémon from the distant past. It appears to have flown by spreading its wings and gliding.
Generation III Ruby Aerodactyl is a Pokémon from the age of dinosaurs. It was regenerated from genetic material extracted from amber. It is imagined to have been the king of the skies in ancient times. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald Aerodactyl is a Pokémon from the age of dinosaurs. It was regenerated from DNA extracted from amber. It is imagined to have been the king of the skies. FireRed It was regenerated from a dinosaur's genetic matter that was found in amber. It flies with high-pitched cries. LeafGreen A ferocious, prehistoric Pokémon that goes for the enemy's throat with its serrated, sawlike fangs.
Generation IV Diamond A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold A vicious Pokémon from the distant past, it appears to have flown by spreading its wings and gliding. SoulSilver This vicious Pokémon is said to have flown in ancient skies while shrieking high-pitched cries.
Generation V Black A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades. 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 One Revive Old Amber Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow One Revive Old Amber
Generation II Gold Silver One Trade Chansey on Route 14 Crystal One Trade Chansey on Route 14
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Fossil Revive Old Amber Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Fossil Revive Old Amber Platinum Fossil Revive Old Amber HeartGold SoulSilver Fossil Revive Old Amber Pal Park Mountain Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Fossil Revive from Old Amber Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World Windswept Sky
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball	Cinnabar Island
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Randomly on the Ruby Field
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 4 Forever Level 53 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Sky Tower (21F-25F) Sky Tower Summit (1F-8F) Pitfall Valley (15F-25F) Joyous Tower (90F-99F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Mt. Horn (8F-14F) Mt. Mistral (1F-19F)
Pokémon Ranger	Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Peril Cliffs
My Pokémon Ranch	Random trade with Hayley *
Pokémon Rumble	Windy Prairie‎
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Granite Zone

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Ranch		Kasib Berry (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 80		140 - 187	270 - 364
Attack: 105		99 - 172	193 - 339
Defense: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Sp. Atk: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 130		121 - 200	238 - 394
Total: 515	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 60.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 5/5 ★★★★★	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 2/2 ★★	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 5/5 ★★★★★	Total 16/18 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal ½× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison ½× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 2× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal ½× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison ½× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 2× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal ½× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison ½× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 2× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal ½× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison ½× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 2× Fire ½× Water 2× Grass 1× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Ice Fang Ice Physical 06565 09595% 15 00Start Fire Fang Fire Physical 06565 09595% 15 00Start Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15 00Start Wing Attack Flying Physical 06060 100100% 35 00Start Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 00Start Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25 00Start Scary Face Normal Status 0000— 100100% 10 099 Roar Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 1717 Agility Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 2525 AncientPower Rock Special 06060 100100% 5 3333 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15 4141 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 08585% 20 4949 Sky Drop Flying Physical 06060 100100% 10 5757 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100100% 15 6565 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 09090% 5 7373 Rock Slide Rock Physical 07575 09090% 10 8181 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 09090% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Aerodactyl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Aerodactyl 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
	TM01	Hone Claws	Dark	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM02	Dragon Claw	Dragon	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM05	Roar	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM12	Taunt	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM23	Smack Down	Rock	Physical	05050	100}}100%	15
	TM26	Earthquake	Ground	Physical	100100	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM35	Flamethrower	Fire	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	TM37	Sandstorm	Rock	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM38	Fire Blast	Fire	Special	120120	085}}85%	5
	TM39	Rock Tomb	Rock	Physical	05050	080}}80%	10
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	06060	—}}—%	20
	TM41	Torment	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	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
	TM58	Sky Drop	Flying	Physical	06060	100}}100%	10
	TM59	Incinerate	Fire	Special	03030	100}}100%	15
	TM66	Payback	Dark	Physical	05050	100}}100%	10
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM69	Rock Polish	Rock	Status	0000—	—}}—%	20
	TM71	Stone Edge	Rock	Physical	100100	080}}80%	5
	TM78	Bulldoze	Ground	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM80	Rock Slide	Rock	Physical	07575	090}}90%	10
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	HM02	Fly	Flying	Physical	09090	095}}95%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Aerodactyl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Aerodactyl 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
	Assurance	Dark	Physical	50	100%	10
	Curse*	Ghost	Status	—	—%	10
	DragonBreath	Dragon	Special	60	100%	20
	Foresight	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
	Pursuit	Dark	Physical	40	100%	20
	Roost	Flying	Status	—	—%	10
	Tailwind	Flying	Status	—	—%	30
	Whirlwind	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Aerodactyl 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 Aerodactyl in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Aerodactyl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Aerodactyl 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 Aerodactyl can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Aerodactyl cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Aerodactyl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Aerodactyl Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Dream World-only moves

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Dream World	Assurance	Dark	Physical	50	100%	10
Dream World	Stealth Rock	Rock	Status	—	—%	20
A superscript level indicates that Aerodactyl can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Aerodactyl Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Aerodactyl Click on the generation numbers at the top to see event moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 142.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.4% Friend Area: Ancient Relic Phrases 51%-100% HP It isn't just birds that can fly! 26%-50% HP Blast it... Only half HP already? 1%-25% HP I've had it... I can barely keep flying... Level up Yes! I leveled up! Watch me soar higher! 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 Yes! I leveled up! Watch me soar higher!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.2% IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Rock  Poké Assist: ( Flying ) Field move: None Loops: 3 Min. exp.: 93 Max. exp.: 118 Browser entry   Aerodactyl freely roams the sky while loosing devastating rays.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Rock  Poké Assist: ( Flying ) Field move: (Crush ×4) Browser entry   It flies around while firing a powerful beam and supersonic waves from its mouth.
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: Aerodactyl, along with Staraptor, is the Caretaker of the sky in the Granite Zone. Look up and marvel at his amazing skill at Salamence's Air Ace.
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

Does not evolve Aerodactyl  Rock  Flying

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 Aerodactyl images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Image from Red and Green	Image from Red and Blue	Image from FireRed and LeafGreen

Trivia

• Aerodactyl was originally going to use its Japanese name, "Ptera", as its English name.
  • Aerodactyl's German and French names are the same as its English and Japanese names, respectively.
• During its first appearance in Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon it was mentioned that Aerodactyl was carnivorous based on its teeth (and the reactions of the other fossil Pokémon when it arrived). However in Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl it is shown and proven to be at least omnivorous, based on its joyful consumption of fruit.
• Aerodactyl is the only fossil Pokémon that does not have an evolution or pre-evolution.
  • It is also the only fossil Pokémon that can be obtained in any way other than breeding it or reviving its fossil: it is available through an in-game trade in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal and is one of Hayley's trades.
    • The trade in Generation II was removed in HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, likely due to the fact that the Old Amber could be obtained and revived in these games, unlike in Generation II.
• Aerodactyl is the only Generation I Template:Type2 that doesn't have a 4× weakness to Template:Type2 moves.
• Aerodactyl is the fastest Template:Type2 Pokémon, with a base Speed of 130.
• Aerodactyl is one of the four non-Hoenn Dex Pokémon avaible in Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire. The others are Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile.
  • Out of all four, Aerodactyl is the only one which isn't a starter as well as the only Generation I Pokémon.
• Aerodactyl is the only Template:Type2 Pokémon in the purple color group.

Origin

It appears to be based upon pterosaurs, prehistoric flying reptiles, particularly the rhamphorhynchoidea branch, due to Aerodactyl's possession of teeth and a long tail. It also seems to possess some dragon-like characteristics, such as that of a wyvern, a two legged variety of dragon, which would explain its being on Lance's team.

Name origin

Aerodactyl's name may be a pun, combining aero, Greek for air, or aeroplane, with the similar sounding pterodactyl. The "Aero" could also refer to the shape of the end of its tail (Which resembles the end of an arrow). Its Japanese name is simply a shortening of the word pterosaur.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin German Aerodactyl French Ptera Korean 프테라 Peutera Chinese (Mandarin) 化石翼龍 Huà Shí Yì Lóng "Fossil pterodactyl". Chinese (Cantonese) 化石飛龍 Faa Sek Fei Lung "Fossil flying dragon".

Notes

← #141: Kabutops

Pokémon

#143: Snorlax →

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.