Charmander (Pokémon)

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Charmander ヒトカゲ Hitokage #004
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Fire ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Lizard Pokémon
Ability Blaze Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #004 Johto #229 Hoenn #206 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 2'00" Imperial 0.6 m Metric 2'00"/0.6 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 18.7 lbs. Imperial 8.5 kg Metric 18.7 lbs./8.5 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Red	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Monster and Dragon groups 1 cycles (255 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 65 Battle Exp.: 651*
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

Charmander (Japanese: ヒトカゲ Hitokage) is a Fire-type Pokémon. Along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle, it is one of three starter Pokémon the player receives at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Pokémon Green, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Charmander comes with the Ability Blaze, which increases the power of Fire-type attacks by 50% once the Pokémon has less than one-third of its maximum HP.

Charmander evolves via level, into Charmeleon starting at Level 16, then into Charizard starting at Level 36.

Biology

Physiology

Charmander is a reptilian creature resembling a bipedal salamander with some dinosaur qualities. Its most notable feature is the flame burning on the tip of its tail, which is there even at birth. It is said that if this flame goes out, the Pokèmon dies. It could perhaps be distantly related to some Dragon-type Pokémon, and also Magmar, due to both Pokémon possessing a flame at the tips of their tails, but Charmander seems to only be closely related to its evolutions.

Despite the small size of its claws, they should be regarded with caution, since even they are strong and sharp enough that a Charmander can learn to use Slash.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Charmander can breathe fire, which allows them to use a wide range of Fire-type attacks. However, the strength of these are very closely connected to the strength and health of the Charmander, since it draws on the life force which fuels the flame on its tail to fuel the flames of its attacks. With time, it can learn powerful Fire-type techniques like Flamethrower and Fire Blast. It can even learn to breathe the blue flames of Dragon Rage.

It can also use the flame on its tail to attack by swinging it about. However, these attacks are usually weaker than those from the flames Charmander breathes.

Behavior

Charmander is easily the most mild-mannered of its evolution line. Its health and emotions can be easily read by paying attention to the flame on the tip of its tail. For example, if the flame grows suddenly, the Charmander is probably angered, and perhaps even using a Rage attack.

It is scarce in the wild. Most are domestic Pokémon, raised to be distributed as starters by Professor Oak. As such, they are regarded as well-behaved Pokémon. However, because of the notoriously aggressive behavior of its evolutions as well as its type disadvantage against the first two Kanto Gym Leaders, it is often regarded as the most difficult Pokémon to start with.

There are some who choose it anyway under the impression that it is stronger than Bulbasaur or Squirtle. However, while a Charmander can certainly grow to be a very powerful Pokémon, its strength in battle is very closely connected to its condition and health. Therefore, like a real fire, it must be tended to regularly and not strained or neglected. Most trainers shouldn't have a problem with this, though impatient ones who expect it to be very strong right off the bat will have severe difficulty raising this Pokémon. In Charmander the Stray Pokémon, a trainer named Damian abandoned his completely because of this.

Habitat

Charmander is rarely found in the wild. Sometimes they can gather in extremely hot areas, such as active volcanoes. They can also thrive in craggy mountains. However they are found far more often in the ownership of trainers.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Their diet is the usual omnivorous diet of a Pokémon. The few places where Charmander can be seen in the wild, they usually hunt and gather in small packs, and will call others over if any sort of food is found.

In the anime

In Charmander the Stray Pokémon, Ash, Misty, and Brock came across a Charmander which had been abandoned by its trainer, Damian, who only cared about strong Pokémon. At first, Charmander refused to leave the spot it was at, waiting for Damian to return. However, when a rainstorm picked up, Charmander grew ill and Ash took it to a Pokémon Center. Charmander realized that Damian was no good, and joined up with Ash. It has since evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard.

Ritchie owned a Charmander named "Zippo" which both debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sometime before the Whirl Island Story Arch, Zippo evolved into a Charmeleon.

In Journey to the Starting Line, Gilbert was intended to start his journey as a Pokémon Trainer, but the trio of Kanto Starter Pokémon were scared off when Ash's Tauros stampeded through Professor Oak's house. Professor Oak, Tracey, Delia and Gilbert split up in order to find the three missing Pokémon. The Charmander was the first one to be found. Tracey attempted to save the Salamander Pokémon from falling in a river, but Mimey saved both of them by using Psychic to lift them on to dry land.

A Charmander also stars in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate! as a member of Team Go-Getters. The Charmander is the leader of Team Go-Getters.

In the manga

In Pokémon Special, one of Green's first Pokémon was a Charmander, likely received from his grandfather Professor Oak. It has since evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard, and is part of his Gym team.

In Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure, the sickly trainer Peanut has an abrasive Charmander who is always getting into fights with other Pokémon.

In Pokémon Zensho, Satoshi is given a Charmander as his starter Pokémon, while Shigeru chooses a Squirtle.

In the Pocket Monsters manga, Green (the rival) has a mischievous Charmander that goes along with whatever his trainer wants him to do. It tends to be very antagonistic toward Red's Clefairy.

Ash's Charmander is shown once or twice in the Electric Tale of Pikachu. Oddly enough, it appears to be an entirely different Charmander than the one owned by Damian, as Damian and his Charmander were reunited.

In the TCG

Nine Charmander cards have been released.

• Base Set: Charmander
• Team Rocket: Charmander
• Gym Heroes: Blaine's Charmander
• Gym Challenge: Blaine's Charmander
• Expedition Base Set: Charmander and Charmander
• EX FireRed and LeafGreen: Charmander, Charmander, and Charmander

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail. Blue Yellow The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places. Stadium Even the newborns have flaming tails. Unfamiliar with fire, babies are said to accidentally burn themselves.
Generation II Gold The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly. Silver The flame on its tail indicates Charmander's life force. If it is healthy, the flame burns brightly. Crystal If it's healthy, the flame on the tip of its tail will burn vigorously, even if it gets a bit wet. Stadium 2 The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life force. If it is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
Generation III Ruby The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely. Sapphire The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is enjoying itself. If the Pokémon becomes enraged, the flame burns fiercely. Emerald The flame that burns at the tip of its tail is an indication of its emotions. The flame wavers when Charmander is happy, and blazes when it is enraged. FireRed From the time it is born, a flame burns at the tip of its tail. Its life would end if the flame were to go out. LeafGreen It has a preference for hot things. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
Generation IV Diamond The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely. Pearl The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely. Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}} SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} 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 Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow One Recieved from a trainer on Route 24
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Pal Park Platinum None Trade HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park None Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Stadium	Gym Leader Castle
Pokémon Snap	Volcano
Pokémon Channel	Mt. Snowfall
Pokémon Trozei	Huge Storage 5 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon	Starter Pokémon Fiery Field (5F-8F)
Pokémon Ranger	Jungle Relic

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 39		99 - 146	188 - 282
Attack: 52		51 - 114	98 - 223
Defense: 43		43 - 104	81 - 203
Sp. Atk: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Sp. Def: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Speed: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Total: 309	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.

Type effectiveness

In Generation I, the effectiveness of Ice-type moves is 100.

Learnset

Template:Learnset introMoves in Italics aren't STAB for Charmander, but are for some/all evolutions.

By leveling up

Level	Generation I		Generation II	Generation III		Generation IV
	RB	Y		RSE	FRLG
Start	Scratch Growl	Scratch Growl Ember	Scratch Growl	Scratch Growl	Scratch Growl	Scratch Growl
7			Ember	Ember		Ember
9	Ember
10						Smokescreen
13	Smokescreen		Smokescreen	Metal Claw	Smokescreen
15	Leer
16						Dragon Rage
19			Rage	Smokescreen	Rage	Scary Face
22	Rage
25			Scary Face	Scary Face		Fire Fang
28						Slash
30	Slash
31			Flamethrower	Flamethrower
34						Flamethrower
37			Slash	Slash		Fire Spin
38	Flamethrower
43			Dragon Rage	Dragon Rage
49	Fire Spin		Fire Spin	Fire Spin

By TM/HM

Number	Generation I	Generation II	Generation III	Generation IV
TM01	Mega Punch	Dynamicpunch	Focus Punch	Focus Punch
TM02		Headbutt	Dragon Claw	Dragon Claw
TM03	Swords Dance	Curse
TM05	Mega Kick
TM06	Toxic	Toxic	Toxic	Toxic
TM08	Body Slam	Rock Smash
TM09	Take Down
TM10	Double-Edge	Hidden Power	Hidden Power	Hidden Power
TM11		Sunny Day	Sunny Day	Sunny Day
TM13		Snore
TM17	Submission	Protect	Protect	Protect
TM18	Counter
TM19	Seismic Toss
TM20	Rage	Endure
TM21		Frustration	Frustration	Frustration
TM23	Dragon Rage	Iron Tail	Iron Tail	Iron Tail
TM24		Dragonbreath
TM27		Return	Return	Return
TM28	Dig	Dig	Dig	Dig
TM31	Mimic	Mud-Slap	Brick Break	Brick Break
TM32	Double Team	Double Team	Double Team	Double Team
TM33	Reflect
TM34	Bide	Swagger
TM35		Sleep Talk	Flamethrower	Flamethrower
TM38	Fire Blast	Fire Blast	Fire Blast	Fire Blast
TM39	Swift	Swift		Rock Tomb
TM40	Skull Bash	Defense Curl	Aerial Ace	Aerial Ace
TM42			Facade	Facade
TM43			Secret Power	Secret Power
TM44	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest
TM45		Attract	Attract	Attract
TM48		Fire Punch
TM49		Fury Cutter
TM50	Substitute		Overheat	Overheat
TM56				Fling
TM58				Endure
TM61				Will-O-Wisp
TM65				Shadow Claw
TM75				Swords Dance
TM78				Captivate
TM80				Rock Slide
TM82				Sleep Talk
TM83				Natural Gift
TM87				Swagger
TM90				Substitute
HM01	Cut	Cut	Cut	Cut
HM04	Strength	Strength	Strength	Strength
HM06			Rock Smash	Rock Smash

By breeding

Move	Father
Ancientpower	Cranidos, Rampardos Shieldon, Bastiodon
Beat Up*	Ekans, Arbok Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking
Belly Drum	Snorlax
Bite	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise Ekans, Arbok Gyarados Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar Loudred, Exploud Seviper Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra
Crunch	Arbok Snorlax Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar Exploud Seviper Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence Turtwig, Grotle, Torterra Garchomp
Dragon Dance	Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra Gyarados Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite Altaria
Dragon Rush	Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite Gible, Gabite, Garchomp
Flare Blitz	Charizard
Metal Claw	Aron, Lairon, Aggron
Outrage	Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite
Rock Slide	Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
Swords Dance*	Cubone, Marowak Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior
*Indicates moves only available through chain breeding.

By tutoring

In Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald:

• Body Slam
• Counter
• Double-Edge
• Mega Kick
• Mega Punch
• Mimic
• Rock Slide
• Seismic Toss
• Substitute
• Swords Dance

In Pokémon Emerald Only:

• Defense Curl
• Dynamicpunch
• Endure
• Fire Punch
• Fury Cutter
• Mud-Slap
• Sleep Talk
• Snore
• Swagger
• Swift

Trivia

• Everything points out that Charmander will die if the flame on its tail goes out.
• Some believe Charmander is the most mischeivous out of the three original starters, although in the anime, Bulbasaur and Squirtle seem more troublesome then Charmander is.

Origin

Charmander may have been inspired by the mythical salamanders, which were fire-spirits in the shape of lizards who were said survive in extreme heat or flames.

Name origin

Charmander is a combination of the words char, to burn, and salamander. Hitokage, on the other hand, comes from 火蜥蜴, which is also salamander. 火 hi and 蜥蜴 tokage separately means "fire lizard". Interestingly enough, this name is also a phrase in itself, 火と影 hi to kage, fire and shadows.

In other languages

• German: Glumanda - Derives from Glut (ember) and Salamander.
• French: Salamèche (Salamandre (Salamander) & Mèche (Match of a candle))
• Korean: 파이리 Pairi
• Chinese (Taiwan): 小火龙 Xíao Hűo Lóng
• Chinese (Hong Kong): 小火龍 Xíao Hűo Lóng

Related articles

• Ash's Charmander
• Zippo
• Charmander (PiPiPi)
• Charmander (Pocket Monsters)

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Charmander Fan, the fanlisting for Charmander at The Anime Fanlistings Network

First partner trios

Kanto

Bulbasaur

Charmander

Squirtle

Johto

Chikorita

Cyndaquil

Totodile

Hoenn

Treecko

Torchic

Mudkip

Sinnoh

Turtwig

Chimchar

Piplup

Unova

Snivy

Tepig

Oshawott

Kalos

Chespin

Fennekin

Froakie

Alola

Rowlet

Litten

Popplio

Galar

Grookey

Scorbunny

Sobble

Paldea

Sprigatito

Fuecoco

Quaxly

See also: List of the player's first Pokémon • Pikachu (Yellow) • Partner Pokémon (LGPE) • Hisui first partner Pokémon

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