Much larger than their previous evolutions, Nidoking now have the ability to stand on their hind legs. Unlike his pre-evolutions, Nidoking is purple instead of fuchsia, and he does not possess spots. Nidoking’s most prominent feature is its large, pointed, venomous horn which it uses extensively for battling purposes. Nidoking’s ears have small pointed extensions on the tips, and the insides of its round ears are green-colored. Nidoking have five teeth on each side of their lower jaw, the fifth protruding out of the jaw and thus visible when its mouth is closed. Nidoking’s eyes are shaped like scalene triangles, and there is fur growing off the bottom of his jaw. The spines growing down Nidoking’s back are extremely large, as is its tail, which is decorated with several thin stripes. Its chest and abdomen, gray in coloration, seem to be quite muscular. Nidoking has white-colored ridges on its three-clawed arms and a single, large, hoof-like toe.
Gender differences
Nidoking is the male of the species. For the female equivalent, see Nidoqueen.
Special abilities
Nidoking have powerful physical attacks with their strong tails, large horn and their ability to poison the foe on contact. They also have excellent potential when owned by a Trainer. They can also cause large tremors by slamming the ground.
Behavior
Nidoking are angered easily, and can be very violent when provoked. They can use their powerful tail to thrash and crush the bones of their prey. Nidoking will often go on rampages for little or no apparent reason.
Nidoking tend to live in grasslands, rough terrain and forests. Despite their ability to live in various habitats, Nidoking are rare Pokémon, especially in the wild. It is most likely to be found within the same range that Nidoran♂ and Nidorino are found.
A Nidoking appeared in A Pyramiding Rage! under the ownership of Paul. He was used to battle against Brandon's Registeel. Although he used powerful attacks against it, Registeel was still able to hold its own and brought down Nidoking.
Nidoking's thick tail packs enormously destructive power. With one swing, it can topple a metal transmission tower. Once this Pokémon goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
A Nidoking's thick tail packs enormously destructive power capable of toppling a metal transmission tower. Once it goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it.
Nidoking and its female counterpart Nidoqueen share the same species name with Rhydon and Rhyperior. They are all known as Drill Pokémon. Coincidentally, all four are also Template:Type2s.
Although its female counterpart Nidoqueen cannot be bred, Nidoking can.
Nidoqueen and Nidoking are the only Pokémon with a Poison/Ground type combination.
Nidoking is a popular choice with rivals as both of Ash's main rivals (Gary and Paul) have one as well as Jimmy's main rival.
Although many of its Pokédex entries refer to it constricting its foes using its tail, it cannot learn the move Constrict nor can it learn Wrap or Bind, both of which also involve constricting the opponent.
Despite the fact its species name is Drill Pokemon it cannot learn Horn Drill by levelling up, it can only learn it by levelling up as its pre evolutions, it shares this with its female counterpart Nidoqueen.
Origin
Nidoking shares traits of rhinoceroses, gorillas, rabbits and porcupines.
Name origin
Nidoking's name may be based on the word needle. It may also be based on cnidocyte, a type of venomous cell responsible for the stings delivered by stinging animals, most notably, by jellyfish. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni, two, or 二度 nido, two times/two degrees, referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits. The second part of its name is simply king, referring to its male gender.
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 Nidoking images on Bulbagarden Archives.
