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 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Water Absorb or Damp Cacophony Cacophony Swift Swim Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 120 (24.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Water 1 Hatch time 21 cycles
Height 3'03" 1.0 m Poliwhirl 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 44.1 lbs. 20.0 kg Poliwhirl 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 131 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 135 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 2 Poliwhirl 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 2 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Blue	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

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

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

Biology

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

Poliwhirl is a blue, bipedal Pokémon with a spherical body. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head. A black and white swirl covers its belly, which are actually its organs showing through its thin skin. It appears to have white gloves on its hands and rounded, digit-less feet.

While Poliwhirl is capable of moving on land, it prefers to stay in freshwater ponds and lakes. When out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist. It is always covered in an oily fluid that allows it to slip away from enemies. All of its skin feels this away except where its swirl is, which is very smooth. The swirl on its belly undulates slowly, and staring at it induces drowsiness.

In the anime

Major appearances

Poliwhirl in the anime

Misty's Poliwhirl

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

Other

Several Poliwhirl were among the Water-type Pokémon feuding with the Grass types in Bulbasaur...the Ambassador.

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

Minor appearances

Poliwhirl first appeared in Primeape Goes Bananas.

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

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Chansey Operation.

A Poliwhirl was seen in a Pokémon Lab in Riddle Me This.

A Poliwhirl appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

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

A Poliwhirl under the ownership of an unknown Trainer, appeared in Friends to the End, during the closing ceremonies of the Indigo League.

Poliwhirl appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

A pink Poliwhirl appeared in Team Rocket's fantasy in In the Pink.

Multiple Poliwhirl also appeared in The Power of One.

Two Poliwhirl were part of an exhibition in Flower Power.

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

A Poliwhirl appeared in Beauty and the Breeder where it participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

A Poliwhirl made a brief appearance in Pokémon Double Trouble and Dueling Heroes.

A Poliwhirl was among the Pokémon stolen from the Pokémon Center of Blue Point Isle in Around the Whirlpool.

A Poliwhirl was under the ownership of a Trainer who was waiting in line to register for the Whirl Cup in Octillery The Outcast.

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

A Poliwhirl was one of the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Journey to the Starting Line.

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

A Poliwhirl was owned by a family of traveling circus performers in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

Another Poliwhirl appeared in A Faux Oak Finish!.

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

A Poliwhirl appeared in A Battle of Aerial Mobility!.

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

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 it is even more agile in water.

In the manga

Poliwhirl 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.

Another Poliwhirl appeared in Red's explanation of Pokémon to the children of Pallet Town in A Glimps of the Glow.

Another Poliwhirl appeared as a silhouette when Green explains about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

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

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

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Poliwhirl is seen with Green during the baseball match that took place in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!.

A Poliwhirl is seen with Green during the curry cooking competition that went on in Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious?.

Lt. Surge also owns a Poliwhirl.

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

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

Generation I Red(ENG) Capable of living in or out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy. Blue Yellow Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape. Stadium Capable of living on land, but prefers to stay in water. If it is out of water, it sweats to keep its skin moist.

Generation II 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 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 Platinum HeartGold The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness. SoulSilver The skin on most of its body is moist. However, the skin on its belly spiral feels smooth.

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

Generation VI X It can live in or out of water. When out of water, it constantly sweats to keep its body slimy. Y Its two legs are well developed. Even though it can live on the ground, it prefers living in water.

Game locations

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

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

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

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Route 225 (Super Rod) Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) Platinum Routes 227 and 228 (Surfing) HeartGold SoulSilver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, and 44, Ecruteak City, Mt. Silver, Violet City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (Surfing) Cerulean Cave (Super Rod) Safari Zone (Fishing or Surfing) Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Sightseeing

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

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

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 Range
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Lake: Everspring Valley

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
HeartGold	SoulSilver	King's Rock (5%)
Black	White	King's Rock (5%)
Black 2	White 2	King's Rock (5%)
X	Y	King's Rock (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 65		125 - 172	240 - 334
Attack: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Defense: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Sp. Atk: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Def: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Speed: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Total: 385	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 50.

Pokéathlon stats

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

Type effectiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  00Start Water Sport Water Status 0000— ——% 15 00Start Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25 00Start Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 055 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25 088 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 1111 Bubble Water Special 04040 100100% 30 1515 Double Slap Normal Physical 01515 08585% 10 1818 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— ——% 5 2121 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15 2727 Bubble Beam 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 07070 100100% 10 4848 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 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 VI Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 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 06060 100}}100% 25 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 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 TM98 Power-Up Punch Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 20 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 HM03 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 HM05 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

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

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  Bubble Beam 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 VI 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 VI Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

A black or white 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
‡	Sleep TalkBW	Normal	Status	—	—%	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 moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

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

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 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

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

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

Trivia

Poliwhirl in the original Tokyo Pokémon Center logo

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

Origin

Poliwhirl is based on a glass frog. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of these frogs and other tadpoles can sometimes be seen through their transparent skin. Its evolution is based on a tadpole's metamorphosis.

Name origin

Poliwhirl may be a combination of polliwog and whirl (referring to the spiral on its stomach).

Nyorozo is derived from ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニョロゾ Nyorozo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro French Têtarte From têtard and tarte Spanish Poliwhirl Same as English name German Quaputzi From Kaulquappe and putzig Italian Poliwhirl Same as English name Korean 슈륙챙이 Syu'ryukchaeng'i From 수륙(水陸) su'ryuk and 올챙이 olchaeng'i Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蛙 Wénxiāngwā From 蚊香 and 蛙 Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蛙 Mānhēungwā From 蚊香 and 蛙

More languages

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.