Poliwrath (Pokémon)

← #061: Poliwhirl	Pokémon	#063: Abra →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwrath (disambiguation).

Poliwrath ニョロボン Nyorobon #062
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Water Fighting Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Tadpole Pokémon
Abilities Water Absorb or Damp Damp Blue-Striped ----- Swift Swim Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #062 Johto #074 Hoenn #249 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-054 Almia R— Oblivia
Height 4'03" Imperial 1.3 m Metric 4'03"/1.3 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 119.0 lbs. Imperial 54.0 kg Metric 119.0 lbs./54.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Water 1 group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 3 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 185 Battle Exp.: 1851*
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

Poliwrath (Japanese: ニョロボン Nyorobon) is a dual-type Water/Fighting Pokémon.

It evolves from Poliwhirl when exposed to a Water Stone. It is one of Poliwag's final forms, the other being Politoed.

Biology

Physiology

Poliwrath looks superficially similar to Poliwhirl. However, it has gained more muscle, especially around its arms, which are now quite thick. In addition, it is much larger, standing a foot taller than its pre-evolution. Its eyes have changed from having wide pupils to small ones and it appears to sport a permanent scowl. Its belly also now resembles a gaping mouth rather than being completely circular, but retains the white coloration and spiral it had as a Poliwhirl.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

In addition to the Water-type abilities it had as Poliwag and Poliwhirl, Poliwrath has now gained the powers of a Fighting-type. It can swim for vast distances without tiring, swimming far and fast with minimal breathing, and is adept at such swimming styles as the front crawl and butterfly. With its increased arm and leg strength, it also has the ability to run on the surface of water for a short amount of time. Like Machop, Poliwrath's muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises.

Behavior

With its newly-gained fighting abilities, Poliwrath is more aggressive than its pre-evolutions, and is more willing to pick fights with others.

Habitat

File:Watersedge.gif

Water's-edge Pokémon

Poliwrath, despite being excellent swimmers, usually live on dry land near the water's edge. They can be found within the range that Poliwag and Poliwhirl can be found.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Unknown.

In the anime

Poliwrath in the anime

Major appearances

Poliwrath's first non-cameo appearance was in Charizard Chills. An expert Trainer named Tad had one and it defeated Ash's Charizard easily when Ash challenged him. Charizard managed to defeat the Poliwrath in a rematch.

In Outrageous Fortunes, Misty challenged another Trainer named Delaney whose main Pokémon was Poliwrath. After seeing it in action, Team Rocket tricked Delaney into giving his Poliwrath to them.

Chuck used a Poliwrath against Ash in his Gym Battle in Machoke, Machoke Man. It quickly defeated Ash's Pikachu but lost to his Bayleef.

Minor appearances

Poliwrath first appeared in The Punchy Pokémon where it competed in the P1 Grand Prix.

A Poliwrath appeared in The Battling Eevee Brothers! and The Breeding Center Secret.

A Poliwrath appeared in Lights, Camera, Quack-tion, as part of the cast for the movie "Pokémon in Love".

A Poliwrath appeared in Marina's fantasy in Bye Bye Psyduck.

Multiple Poliwrath also appeared in The Power of One.

A Poliwrath was seen in a dojo in Wired for Battle!.

In Hook, Line and Stinker, Andreas in a Seaking Catching contest owned a Poliwrath.

A Poliwrath was used by a competitor in the Tour de Alto Mare, a water chariot race, in Pokémon Heroes.

A Poliwrath was one of the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Journey to the Starting Line.

A Poliwrath is used by a student of Pokémon Summer Academy in the second leg of the Pokémon Triathlon in One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP105 Poliwrath Ash's Pokédex Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. Poliwrath is an excellent swimmer and its powerful muscles make its attacks extremely effective.

In the manga

Red's Poliwrath, Poli

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Poli

Poliwrath debuts in Buzz Off, Electabuzz! when Red's Poli evolves into one to save its Trainer from drowning. It's a muscular Pokémon who sends its enemies flying with Seismic Toss. Gold also sees the same Poliwrath in a "Book of Champions", and then tells his Poliwag that it'll also become a Poliwrath. Later, Chuck is seen having a Poliwrath train with him and his Primeape.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Kai Midorikawa's Poliwrath debuted in The Big Battle In The Viridian Forest!!.

One of Giovanni's Poliwhirl appeared in The Thrill of a Perfect Score, Big Rampage at the Amusement Park! where it evolved into a Poliwrath in order to get rid of Isamu Akai, Clefairy and Pikachu when they went to the Amusement Park that he built.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwrath (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers. Blue Yellow Swims powerfully using all the muscles in its body. It can even overtake champion swimmers. Stadium A strong swimmer, it is faster than a human champ in an individual medley. It can go far and fast with minimal breathing.
Generation II Gold This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking. Silver Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land. Crystal It can use its well-developed arms and legs to run on the surface of the water for a split second. Stadium 2 This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking.
Generation III Ruby Poliwrath's highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong, this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald Its highly developed muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. This Pokémon can swim back and forth across the Pacific Ocean without effort. FireRed An adept swimmer, it knows the front crawl, butterfly, and more. It is faster than the best human swimmers. LeafGreen A swimmer adept at both the front crawl and breaststroke. Easily overtakes the best human swimmers.
Generation IV Diamond With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold This strong and skilled swimmer is even capable of crossing the Pacific Ocean just by kicking. SoulSilver Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land.
Generation V Black With its extremely tough muscles, it can keep swimming in the Pacific Ocean without resting. 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 None Evolve Poliwhirl Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Evolve Poliwhirl
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Poliwhirl Crystal None Evolve Poliwhirl
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Poliwhirl Colosseum None Trade XD One Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Evolve Poliwhirl Platinum None Evolve Poliwhirl HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Poliwhirl Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Rare Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod) Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball	Evolve Poliwhirl
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 9 Forever Level 58 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve Poliwhirl
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Lake Afar (B1-B24)
Pokémon Ranger	Jungle Relic Panula Cave
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Lake: Everspring Valley

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Black	White	King's Rock (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 90		150 - 197	290 - 384
Attack: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Defense: 95		90 - 161	175 - 317
Sp. Atk: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Sp. Def: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Speed: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Total: 500	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 70.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 1/2 ★☆	Power 5/5 ★★★★★
Skill 3/4 ★★★☆	Stamina 4/5 ★★★★☆
Jump 2/2 ★★	Total 15/18 ★★★

Type effectiveness

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

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

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

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

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

Notes: If this Pokémon has Water Absorb, the effectiveness of  Water-type  moves is 0×.

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start BubbleBeam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 00Start Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 00Start DoubleSlap Normal Physical 01515 08585% 10 00Start Submission Fighting Physical 08080 08080% 25 3232 DynamicPunch Fighting Physical 100100 05050% 5 4343 Mind Reader Normal Status 0000— ——% 5 5353 Circle Throw Fighting Physical 06060 09090% 10

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

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM07	Hail	Ice	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM08	Bulk Up	Fighting	Status	0000—	—}}—%	20
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM13	Ice Beam	Ice	Special	09595	100}}100%	10
	TM14	Blizzard	Ice	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM26	Earthquake	Ground	Physical	100100	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM28	Dig	Ground	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM29	Psychic	Psychic	Special	09090	100}}100%	10
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM39	Rock Tomb	Rock	Physical	05050	080}}80%	10
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM47	Low Sweep	Fighting	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM52	Focus Blast	Fighting	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM55	Scald	Water	Special	08080	100}}100%	15
	TM56	Fling	Dark	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	10
	TM66	Payback	Dark	Physical	05050	100}}100%	10
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM78	Bulldoze	Ground	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM80	Rock Slide	Rock	Physical	07575	090}}90%	10
	TM83	Work Up	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM84	Poison Jab	Poison	Physical	08080	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM94	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	04040	100}}100%	15
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM04	Strength	Normal	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM05	Waterfall	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	15
	HM06	Dive	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwrath Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwrath Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	BubbleBeam	Water	Special	65	100%	20
	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
	Endeavor	Normal	Physical	—	100%	5
	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Haze	Ice	Status	—	—%	30
	Ice Ball	Ice	Physical	30	90%	20
	Mind Reader	Normal	Status	—	—%	5
	Mist	Ice	Status	—	—%	30
	Mud Shot	Ground	Special	55	95%	15
	Refresh	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
	Splash	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
	Water Pulse	Water	Special	60	100%	20
	Water Sport	Water	Status	—	—%	15
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Poliwrath in Generation V 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 Poliwrath in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwrath Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwrath Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Poliwrath can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Poliwrath cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwrath Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwrath Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Bubble	Water	Special	20	100%	30
	Water Gun	Water	Special	40	100%	25
	Body Slam	Normal	Physical	85	100%	15
	Belly Drum	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Wake-Up Slap	Fighting	Physical	60	100%	10
	Hydro Pump	Water	Special	120	80%	5
	Mud Bomb	Ground	Special	65	85%	10
‡	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwrath Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwrath Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Special moves

Shadow moves	<span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 42+	Purified moves
Shadow Rush	File:Box xd 062.png	Helping Hand	Normal
Shadow Sky		Hydro Pump	Water
Shadow Storm		Rain Dance	Water
--		Brick Break	Fighting

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 062.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Tadpole Pond Phrases 51%-100% HP My swimming is world class! 26%-50% HP Half my HP's gone. This feels unpleasant. 1%-25% HP Do something... I don't have the energy left to swim... Level up I leveled up! What a glorious feeling it is! 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 I leveled up! What a glorious feeling it is!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -4.5% IQ group: F
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Water  Poké Assist: ( Water ) Field move: (Soak ×3) Loops: 11 Min. exp.: 60 Max. exp.: 90 Browser entry   Poliwrath blasts surging jets of water with tremendous force.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
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: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
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 Poliwag  Water

Level 25 →

First Evolution Poliwhirl  Water

Water Stone →

Second Evolution Poliwrath  Water  Fighting

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

Poliwrath's early design, Nyosuka

• Despite being classified as a tadpole Pokémon, its form resembles a froglet's and it is presumably full grown.
• Poliwrath, alongside Smeargle and Articuno, is one of the few Pokémon that can learn an accuracy-focusing move and a OHKO move, learning Fissure by TM27 in Generation I and Mind Reader at level 51 in Generation II. It no longer has the ability to learn both moves, however.
• Poliwrath, along with Lucario, are the only Fighting-type Pokémon that are not part Psychic-type able to learn Psychic.
• In Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver a man in Celadon City has a Poliwrath and says he hopes it will evolve into a frog Pokémon one day. Although the Pokémon he was thinking of is most likely Politoed, it is too late, as it is Poliwhirl that evolves into Politoed when holding a King's Rock, not Poliwrath.
• Poliwrath is the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex order that is evolved from a Water Stone.
• An early design of Poliwrath revealed on Game Freak's official Japanese website circa 1997 depicts it wearing a crown, similar to the King's Rock which is necessary to evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed.

Origin

Poliwrath is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the organs of tadpoles can sometimes be seen through their transparent skin. It may also be based on amphibian neoteny, as it stays in tadpole form and does not metamorphose into a frog.

Name origin

Poliwrath is a combination of polliwog and wrath (anger).

Nyorobon is a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering) and an alternate reading of 洪 kō (deluge or flood) is hon (relative to bon).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニョロボン Nyorobon From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 洪 kō which can also be read as hon or bon French Tartard From tartarin and têtard Spanish Poliwrath Same as English name German Quappo From Kaulquappe Italian Poliwrath Same as English name Korean 강챙이 Gangchaengi From 강 gang and 올챙이 olchaengi. 강 also means strong. Mandarin Chinese 快泳蛙 Kuàiyǒngwā Literally "Fast swimming frog" Cantonese Chinese 大力蛙 Daaihlihkwā Means "Great strength frog" or "Energetic frog"

More languages

Notes

← #061: Poliwhirl

Pokémon

#063: Abra →

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.