Zoroark, along with its pre-evolution, Zorua, were the first Generation V Pokémon to be revealed to the public, on February 10, 2010. Zoroark was first revealed as a silhouette before being revealed in full.
Zoroark is a bipedal fox-like Pokémon, and mainly grayish-brown in coloration with red and black accents. It has a pointed snout and ears, the insides of which have red coloration. Zoroark also has some red rimming its eyes and mouth. Zoroark has a large, voluminous mane, primarily red in coloration but with black tips. The mane also somewhat resembles a ponytail, as a teal bangle down its length separates a mass of the mane from the lower portion. Zoroark has a black ruff on its upper body, pointed at the shoulders from which its arms extend. Its upper arms are thin, whereas its lower arms, while still slim, are bulkier. The arms have spiky extensions of fur at the elbows, and Zoroark's three claws, as well as the claws on its feet, are red in coloration.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Zoroark are capable of changing their physical appearance. They are capable of deluding many people simultaneously.
Behavior
Zoroark live in groups, where unity is strong. They create illusions to confuse foes, and will even create illusory landscapes to hide its territory. When angered, Zoroark's eyes glow to warn the foe that it will attack.
Habitat
Zoroark appears to live in forests, and will create an illusory landscape to protect its den.
Zoroark was first revealed by Junichi Masuda as a silhouette in the February 7, 2010 edition of Pokémon Sunday. Its full image was later revealed in the March 2010 issue of CoroCoro, alongside its pre-evolution, Zorua.
Coincidentally, they both share the same names in Japanese and English versions of the game, are in the Ground Egg Group and need 1,059,860 Exp. to reach level 100.
Zoroark and Zorua are the two of the three non-legendary Pokémon to be event-exclusive, discounting Rotom's alternate forms in Platinum. The third one is Phione.
Interestingly, despite Zoroark being more impartial to Special Attack rather than Attack, Zoroark learns far more Physical damage-dealing moves through level-up than Special moves.
The only Special move it learns via level-up is its signature move, Night Burst.
Origin
Zoroark is likely based on kitsune of Japanese folklore, a shape-shifting mythical fox that would trick unsuspecting travelers for fun. This is similar to Ninetales, another Pokémon based on kitsune. Its facial markings draw from Kabuki and Noh theatre makeup.
Name origin
Zoroark's name comes from zorro, Spanish for "fox", and the English word "dark". Also may come from 悪, aku (evil).
In other languages
Korean: 조로아크 Joroakeu - Transliteration of its Japanese name.
Chinese (Taiwan): 索羅亞克 Suǒ Luó Yà Kè - Transliteration of its Japanese name.
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.