Cyndaquil is small, bipedal Pokémon with bluish fur on top of its body, and a milky color on the underside. Although called the Fire Mouse Pokémon, Cyndaquil seems to be a composite of features from the Echidna, seen in the flames erupting from its back, and the shrew, the general shape of its body. Its eyes are often closed, as it is still young. It has four red-colored spots on its back from which its flames erupt. It lacks claws on its forelimbs, but has a single claw on each hind foot.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Cyndaquil is capable of defending itself by using the fire on its back. The fire grows more powerful as the Cyndaquil becomes more angry or defensive. Cyndaquil is also able to expel obscuring smoke to lower the accuracy of its opponent.
Behavior
Cyndaquil are usually timid, but its actual behavior depends on its personality. It tends to hide in most dangerous situations. Most Cyndaquil, such as Ash's, are inexperienced at first and don't know their strengths and weaknesses. If Cyndaquil is angry or surprised, such as from being attacked, it flares up its back for protection. Although its flames may burn vigorously in this emotional state, if Cyndaquil is tired the flames sputter fitfully with incomplete combustion.
Ash Ketchum captured a Cyndaquil in Good 'Quil Hunting. During its early days on Ash's team, Cyndaquil was easily tired-out (e.g. waiting a while for the flames on its back to ignite so it could use Fire-type attacks). Eventually, Cyndaquil overcame its shortcomings. Ash left his Cyndaquil, along with the rest of his Johtoteam (save for Pikachu), at Professor Oak's lab when he set out for Hoenn. Later, Ash called Cyndaquil back into his party for the Sinnoh League in An Old Family Blend!. It evolved into Quilava after a battle with Team Rocket's mecha.
In An Egg Scramble!, Dawn defeated Lyra in a battle, winning an Egg. Shortly after, the Egg hatched into a Cyndaquil. It later evolved into a Quilava in SS024.
In Pokémon Adventures, Gold took the Cyndaquil from Professor Elm's lab to try to catch the thief Silver. He named the Cyndaquil "Exbo" for the explosive fire from its back. After undergoing a bit of training with the rest of Gold's Pokémon, it evolved into Quilava and became a much more adept battler, and weeks after Silver and its owner's loss against the Masked Man, again evolved into a Typhlosion as Megaree and Croconaw evolved, as well. Its even greater power then enabled it to gain the upper hand in Gold's rematch with the villain, melting his ice body with its firepower augmented by Sunbo's Sunny Day.
In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga
When released from a Poké Ball, Cyndaquil will aim a Flamethrower diagonally towards the ground in one direction. It is one of the easiest Pokémon to avoid, however. It can also be knocked off the screen.
Trophy information
Cyndaquil frighten easily, so they're often found curled up in balls. When threatened, they flare the flames on their backs to drive off enemies. Cyndaquil was one of the three Pokémon that Trainers could choose from at the beginning of Pokémon Silver, Gold, and Crystal. No one knows if their eyes are open.
Cyndaquil is not a Poké Ball item anymore. It is only a trophy.
Trophy information
"A Fire Mouse Pokémon. It's a timid creature that often curls up into a ball. When threatened, it flares up the flames on its back to scare off enemies. When it's angry, it can produce powerful flames, but when it's tired, it has trouble producing fire and suffers from incomplete combustion. When it levels up, it evolves into Quilava. Its squinty eyes are adorable."
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire: Hitting Cyndaquil will knock it back. After a few hits, Cyndaquil will be knocked into the Egg stand and the flame on its back will start heating the Egg. Hitting Cyndaquil one more time will cause the Egg to hatch and the player will have a chance to catch the newly hatched Pokémon.
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Cyndaquil protects itself by flaring up the flames on its back. The flames are vigorous if the Pokémon is angry. However, if it is tired, the flames sputter fitfully with incomplete combustion.
It flares flames from its back to protect itself. The fire burns vigorously if the Pokémon is angry. When it is tired, it sputters with incomplete combustion.
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.
For other sprites and images, please see Cyndaquil images on Bulbagarden Archives.
