Ninetales (Pokémon)

← #037: Vulpix	Pokémon	#039: Jigglypuff →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Ninetales (disambiguation).

Ninetales Fox Pokémon キュウコン Kyukon #038 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Fire Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Flash Fire Cacophony Cacophony Drought Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 25% male, 75% female	Catch rate 75 (17.5%)
Breeding Egg Group Field Hatch time 21 cycles
Height 3'07" 1.1 m Ninetales 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 43.9 lbs. 19.9 kg Ninetales 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 178 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 177 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 2 Ninetales 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 1 Sp.Def 1 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   Yellow	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

Ninetales (Japanese: キュウコン Kyukon) is a Fire-type Pokémon.

It evolves from Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone.

Biology

This fox-like, quadruped Pokémon is covered with a thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has nine, long tails, each tipped with pale orange. There is a fluffy crest atop its head, and a small mane around its neck. Ninetales has gleaming red eyes that are said to give it the ability to control minds. Its ears are pointed, and it has long, slender legs with three-toed paws.

Ninetales is a very vengeful Pokémon that has been known to curse those who mistreat it. This intelligent Pokémon is able to understand human speech easily. It can live for 1,000 years, due to the energy within its nine tails, each of which is said to have a different mystical power. It can be found living in grasslands.

In the anime

Ninetales in the anime

Major appearances

The Cinnabar Island Gym Leader, Blaine, used a Ninetales against Ash in their first Gym battle in Riddle Me This. It reappeared in a flashback in Volcanic Panic.

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, a Ninetales owned by Neesha was one of the Pokémon that were captured and cloned by Mewtwo. The Ninetales clone is seen again in Mewtwo Returns.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a friend of Suzie named Zane used his Ninetales in a Pokémon breeding competition.

In Just Waiting On A Friend, a very old Ninetales befriended Brock, who bore a resemblance to her long lost master. This Ninetales created all sorts of illusions, including one of a woman through which it spoke.

A Ninetales appeared in Mystery on a Deserted Island!.

Minor appearances

Ninetales was first seen in the universally banned episode EP038.

Ninetales made its dub debut in The Battling Eevee Brothers.

A Ninetales made a cameo appearance in Misty Meets Her Match. This Ninetales belonged to Rudy.

Ninetales also appeared in The Power of One.

An injured Ninetales appeared under the care of Katrina in A Bite to Remember.

A Ninetales appeared in All Things Bright and Beautifly! under the ownership of a Pokémon Coordinator competing in the Rustboro Contest.

Multiple Ninetales appeared in the opening of Destiny Deoxys.

A Ninetales belonging to a Coordinator competing in the Hoenn Grand Festival appeared in Deceit and Assist.

Ninetales also had a cameo during the opening credits of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, taking part in the festival honoring Sir Aaron. Also, one appeared in the opening of the movie.

A Ninetales appeared in a flashback in Mutiny in the Bounty! as one of J's captured Pokémon.

A Ninetales appeared in an image/neon in A Showcase Debut!.

A Ninetales appeared in a video in Performing with Fiery Charm!, under the ownership of a Pokémon Performer.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP058 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. It is the evolved form of the Fire Pokémon Vulpix. Original series entries continue below.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP169 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. The evolved form of Vulpix. It has nine tails and a shining golden fleece. Ninetales are said to live very long lives. EP232 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. Ninetales is the evolved form of Vulpix. Each of its tails contains a different mystical power.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry BW135 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon and the evolved form of Vulpix. With its nine tails and thick golden coat, Ninetales is said to live a thousand years.

In the manga

Ninetales in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

In Pokémon Adventures, a Ninetales was captured by Blue, where he uses it in his Gym.

A Ninetales was under the control of a Team Rocket Grunt in Piloswine Whine where it attack Gold and Silver but was easily defeated.

Another Ninetales was one of the Pokémon sent to help the fight in Ilex Forest in The Last Battle XIII.

Courtney has a Ninetales that evolved from a Vulpix.

A Ninetales appeared in a flashback as a Pokémon trained by the International Police in PS528.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team manga

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team, the Curse of Ninetales is the reason why main character Ginji was transformed into a Torchic.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Koga sent out Ninetales to participate in the No. 1 Pokémon Contest in Aim to be the No. 1 Pokémon!.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Blaine's Ninetales was seen in the Cinnabar Gym when Satoshi enters it.

In the Pokémon Battle Frontier manga

Main article: Enta's Ninetales

Enta's Vulpix evolved into Ninetales in the final chapter.

In the TCG

Main article: Ninetales (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ninetales cast a curse on a human that would turn it into a Pokémon, bringing on many natural disasters. The player is blamed for this and travels to the home of Ninetales at the top of Mt. Freeze to learn the truth. Ninetales later appears when Gengar wishes to right what he did to Gardevoir. He gives Gengar the Nine-tailed Crest and sends him and the player to Murky Cave.

Pokédex entries

Generation I Red(ENG) Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse. Blue Yellow According to an enduring legend, 9 noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon. Stadium It is extremely vindictive. It is said to lay a 1,000-year long curse if its tail is pulled as a joke.

Generation II Gold Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power. Silver Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years. Crystal It is said to live a thousand years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers. Stadium 2 Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power.

Generation III Ruby Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years. Sapphire Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent - it can understand human speech. Emerald It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived Ninetales will have fur that shines like gold. FireRed It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years. LeafGreen Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.

Generation IV Diamond Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years. Pearl Platinum HeartGold Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power. SoulSilver Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.

Generation V Black Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years. White Black 2 Each of its nine tails is imbued with supernatural power, and it can live for a thousand years. White 2

Generation VI X It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years. Y Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000 year curse. Omega Ruby Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for one thousand years. Alpha Sapphire Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent—it can understand human speech.

Game locations

Generation I Red Trade Blue Evolve Vulpix Blue (Japan) Trade Yellow Evolve Vulpix

Generation II Gold Trade Silver Evolve Vulpix Crystal Trade

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Evolve Vulpix Emerald Evolve Vulpix FireRed Trade LeafGreen Evolve Vulpix Colosseum Trade XD Evolve Vulpix

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Evolve Vulpix Platinum Evolve Vulpix HeartGold Trade SoulSilver Evolve Vulpix Pal Park Field

Generation V Black White Abundant Shrine (rustling grass) Black 2 White 2 Abundant Shrine (rustling grass)

Generation VI X Y Friend Safari (Fire) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Evolve Vulpix

In side games

Generation I Pinball Evolve Vulpix

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Pinball: R&S Evolve Vulpix Trozei! Endless Level 6, Endless Level 11, Forever Level 55, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Evolve Vulpix

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Treeshroud Forest (10F-20F) MD Sky Treeshroud Forest (10F-20F) Ranger: SoA Almia Castle Rumble Fiery Furnace (Normal Mode C & A) MD Blazing Evolve Vulpix PokéPark Wii Lava Zone Ranger: GS Odd Temple

Generation V Rumble Blast Lava: Firebreathing Mountain; Autumnwood: Volcanic Slope*, Firebreathing Mountain* Rumble U Jungle Area: In Trouble? Tap Away!

Generation VI Battle Trozei Sacred Plains: Stage 6 Shuffle Mt. Vinter: Stage 117 Rumble World Origin Hideaway: Secluded Volcanic Chasm (Center Boss, Back, Special)

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
	Powerful Tag Ninetales	Japanese	Japan	50	May 7 to 31, 2012

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Gold Leaf (100%)
Yellow*
Emerald*		Rawst Berry (100%)
Black	White	Rawst Berry (100%)
Black 2	White 2	Rawst Berry (100%)
Events*		Chesto Berry (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 73		133 - 180	256 - 350
Attack: 76		72 - 140	141 - 276
Defense: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Sp. Atk: 81		77 - 146	150 - 287
Sp. Def: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Speed: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Total: 505	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 100.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/4 ★★★☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 4/5 ★★★★☆	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 3/3 ★★★	Total 14/18 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

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

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

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

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

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

Notes: If this Pokémon has Flash Fire, the effectiveness of  Fire-type  moves is 0×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Ice-type  moves is 1×.

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  011 Imprison Psychic Status 0000— ——% 10 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   011 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— ——% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   011 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100100% 15 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   011 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   011 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ 011 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— ——% 25 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales 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  TM03 TM03 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 1 ♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM04 TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   TM05 TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Clever 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM20 TM20 Safeguard Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 25 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥ 3 ♥♥♥ TM22 TM22 Solar Beam Grass Special 120120 100}}100% 10 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM28 TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 0   TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 Cool 1 ♥ 0   TM35 TM35 Flamethrower Fire Special 09090 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM38 TM38 Fire Blast Fire Special 110110 085}}85% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 0   TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM43 TM43 Flame Charge Fire Physical 05050 100}}100% 20 Cool 1 ♥ 0   TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 1 ♥ 0   TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 0   TM50 TM50 Overheat Fire Special 130130 090}}90% 5 Beautiful 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 0   TM53 TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 Beautiful 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   TM59 TM59 Incinerate Fire Special 06060 100}}100% 15 Tough 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM61 TM61 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM66 TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 0   TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ TM77 TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   TM85 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 090}}90% 15 Cute 3 ♥♥♥ 0   TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 1 ♥ 0   TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   TM94 TM94 Secret PowerORAS Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   TM97 TM97 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 Cute 3 ♥♥♥ 0

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

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  Captivate Normal Status — 100% 20 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   Disable Normal Status — 100% 20 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   Extrasensory Psychic Special 80 100% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ Feint Attack Dark Physical 60 —% 20 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   Flail Normal Physical — 100% 15 Cute 1 ♥ 0   Flare Blitz Fire Physical 120 100% 15 Cool 6 ♥♥♥♥♥♥ 0   Heat Wave Fire Special 95 90% 10 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ Hex Ghost Special 65 100% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ Howl Normal Status — —% 40 Cool 2 ♥♥ 0   Hypnosis Psychic Status — 60% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 3 ♥♥♥ Power Swap Psychic Status — —% 10 Clever 1 ♥ 0   Secret Power‡ Normal Physical 70 100% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   Spite Ghost Status — 100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ Tail Slap Normal Physical 25 85% 10 Cute 1 ♥ 0

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ninetales 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 Ninetales in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  X Y OR AS Covet Normal Physical 60 100% 25 Cute 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Foul Play Dark Physical 95 100% 15 Clever 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Heat Wave Fire Special 95 90% 10 Beautiful 2 ♥♥ 2 ♥♥ X Y OR AS Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Pain Split Normal Status — —% 20 Clever 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Role Play Psychic Status — —% 10 Cute 1 ♥ 0   X Y OR AS Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   X Y OR AS Spite Ghost Status — 100% 10 Tough 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ X Y OR AS Zen Headbutt Psychic Physical 80 90% 15 Clever 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Ninetales can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Ninetales cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

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

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  Ember Fire Special 40 100% 25 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   Tail Whip Normal Status — 100% 30 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   Baby-Doll Eyes Fairy Status — 100% 20 Cute 3 ♥♥♥ 0   Fire Spin Fire Special 35 85% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   Feint Attack Dark Physical 60 —% 20 Clever 2 ♥♥ 0   Flame Burst Fire Special 70 100% 15 Beautiful 3 ♥♥♥ 0   Hex Ghost Special 65 100% 10 Clever 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ Extrasensory Psychic Special 80 100% 20 Cool 2 ♥♥ 1 ♥ Grudge Ghost Status — —% 5 Tough 4 ♥♥♥♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥ Captivate Normal Status — 100% 20 Cute 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   Inferno Fire Special 100 50% 5 Beautiful 1 ♥ 4 ♥♥♥♥

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

Anime-only moves

Move	Type	Episode
Psychic	Psychic	Just Waiting On a Friend

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Darkness Ridge Phrases 51%-100% HP Feel privileged to see the 1,000-year knowledge of our clan! 26%-50% HP This won't do. I've only half my health remaining. 1%-25% HP My eyes grow dim... Is this how our 1,000-year legacy ends? Level up Rejoice! My level has gone up! 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 Rejoice! My level has gone up!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -4.5% IQ group: G
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Fire  Poké Assist: ( Fire ) Field move: (Burn ×4) Browser entry   While protecting itself with a ghostly ring of fire, it breaths streams of fire to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Fire  ( Fire ) Past ( Normal ) (Burn ×2) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It sends out pillars of fire to attack.
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: Ninetales came to the Lava Zone in search of fun. Which is just what she found at Absol's Hurdle Bounce!
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 Vulpix  Fire

Fire Stone →

First Evolution Ninetales  Fire

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

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

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

Trivia

• Ninetales's name is misspelled as Ninetails in the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the Game Boy Color and in some prerelease material.
• Ninetales and Vulpix share their category name with Fennekin, Braixen, and Delphox. They are all known as the Fox Pokémon.
• Ninetales have been shown on several occasions to be able to swim, most notably in Mewtwo Strikes Back and The Power Of One, which is unusual for most Fire types.
• As of Generation VI, Ninetales's EV yield of 1 Special Defense and 1 Speed is unique.

Origin

Ninetales is based on a fox, particularly the kitsune of Japanese legend, which have many tails, extremely long lifespans, and can breathe fire. After living a long time, kitsune take on spirit forms, which may explain why Ninetales can learn Ghost-type moves. In particular, Ninetales is based on the 九尾の狐 kyūbi no kitsune, a kitsune of advanced age whose fur has turned silver-gold, and, upon gaining its ninth tail, has gained powers equivalent to a deity, bearing omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience.

Name origin

Ninetales is a combination of nine and tales, which itself may combine tails and fairy tales, from the Japanese myth it is based on. It may also reference the cat o' nine tails whip, which was historically used in military punishments.

Kyukon is a combination of 九 kyū (nine) and 恨 kon (grudge, from the curse it may cast on its foes), kon kon (the sound foxes make), コンロ konro (gas stove), or ko, an alternate reading of 狐 kitsune (fox). Alternatively, it can be read as 旧恨 kyūkon (old grudge).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese キュウコン Kyukon Possibly from 九 kyū and 恨 kon French Feunard From feu and renard Spanish Ninetales Same as English name German Vulnona From Vulpes and nona Italian Ninetales Same as English name Korean 나인테일 Ninetail From nine and tail Mandarin Chinese 九尾 Jiǔwěi Literally means "Nine tails" Cantonese Chinese 九尾 Gáuméih Literally means "Nine tails"

More languages Hindi नाइनटेल्स Ninetails Transcription of English name Russian Найнтейлс* Nainteils Найнтэйлс Nainteils Transcription of English name

Related articles

• Enta's Ninetales

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

Notes

← #037: Vulpix

Pokémon

#039: Jigglypuff →

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.