Much larger than their previous evolutions, Nidoking now have the ability to stand on their hind legs. Unlike its pre-evolutions, Nidoking is purple instead of fuchsia, and it 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 its 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.
Nidoking uses its powerful tail to smash, constrict, then break its prey's bones.
In the anime
Nidoking in the anime
Major appearances
Gary Oak has a Nidoking that first appeared in The Battle of the Badge. He calls on it to battle Giovanni's Golem during their gym battle. Nidoking is shown to have tremendous power as it manages to Tackle Golem head on, launching it across the battlefield, and defeating it in one hit. However, when Giovanni uses Mewtwo to battle, Nidoking is no match, and is defeated handily. Gary's Nidoking is briefly seen again in The Fourth Round Rumble battling Melissa's Golem, but much unlike its battle with Giovanni's Golem, it is defeated handily.
A Nidoking appeared under the ownership of Oscar in The Bicker the Better. His girlfriend Andi had a Nidoqueen. They have a double battle with Ash and May, and due to Oscar and Andi's communication with each other, they are able to defeat Ash and May with relative ease.
A Nidoking appeared in A Pyramiding Rage! under the ownership of Paul. He was used to battle against Brandon's Registeel. Although shown to be powerful and versitile, 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 his 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 his 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.
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.
