Poliwag (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #059: Arcanine	Pokémon	#061: Poliwhirl →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Poliwag (disambiguation).

Poliwag Tadpole Pokémon ニョロモ Nyoromo #060 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Water Absorb or Damp Cacophony Cacophony Swift Swim Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 255 (43.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Water 1 Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 2'00" 0.6 m Poliwag 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 27.3 lbs. 12.4 kg Poliwag 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 77 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 60 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 1 Poliwag 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 1 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Blue	Base friendship 70
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

Poliwag (Japanese: ニョロモ Nyoromo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25, which evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or into Politoed when traded holding a King's Rock.

Biology

Poliwag resembles a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which are actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl looks clearer after it eats, and the skin is very elastic so that it will not break if the Pokémon is bitten. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area, with the equator being thought to have an effect on this. It has newly developed legs that are poor at walking, and no arms. Its long, mostly transparent tail makes it a powerful swimmer. Because of its ineptitude on land, Poliwag is more likely to be found swimming in small freshwater ponds and lakes. In the anime, Poliwag feeds on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.

In the anime

In the main series

Poliwag in the anime

Major appearances

Misty's Poliwag

Misty had a Poliwag that eventually evolved into a Poliwhirl and then a Politoed.

Other

One of the Pokémon used at the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School was a Poliwag. Max used it in a battle. It helped defeat Team Rocket later on.

A Poliwag also made an appearance in Like It Or Lup It!.

Minor appearances

Poliwag first appeared in Primeape Goes Bananas.

Poliwag also appeared in the banned episode EP035.

A Poliwag appeared in A Chansey Operation and The Breeding Center Secret.

Multiple Poliwag were among the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral.

Poliwag also appeared in Pallet Party Panic, at a party among other Pokémon.

A Poliwag was among the Pokémon controlled by Cassidy and Butch in Pikachu Re-Volts.

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

A Poliwag under the ownership of an unnamed Trainer was treated by Nurse Joy in The Joy of Pokémon.

Multiple Poliwag also appeared in The Power of One and Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

Four Poliwag were among the Pokémon competing in the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix in The Fire-ing Squad!.

A Poliwag was one of the inhabitants of an oasis just for Pokémon in Got Miltank?.

A Poliwag was seen in Octillery The Outcast, under the ownership of an unknown Trainer.

A Poliwag made a brief appearance in Dueling Heroes.

A Poliwag was seen at a Pokémon Center in The Legend of Thunder!.

Lola has a Poliwag as seen in A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!. In that episode, Flint revealed that the reason he had fallen in love with Lola was the precision of her Poliwag's Hydro Pump against his Graveler, now a Golem.

A Poliwag appeared in The Saffron Con as a Pokémon owned by a Coordinator.

A Poliwag appeared in Curbing the Crimson Tide!, and another in Up Close and Personable!.

Multiple Poliwag were owned by a family of traveling circus performers in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

A Poliwag also appeared in One Big Happiny Family! in Jessie's fantasy.

A Poliwag appeared in The Scheme Team, Bagged Then Tagged!, and The Dream Continues!.

Multiple Poliwag made a brief appearance in Coming Full-Festival Circle!.

A Poliwag made a very brief appearance in League Unleashed!.

A Poliwag appeared in a flashback in Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Adventures in Running Errands!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in A League of His Own!.

A Trainer's Poliwag appeared in Rocking Kalos Defenses!.

Two Poliwag appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, with one under the ownership of a Trainer and the other being wild.

A Poliwag appeared in The Guardian's Challenge!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP110 Poliwag Ash's Pokédex Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer.

Poliwag in Pokémon Origins

In Pokémon Origins

Two Poliwag appeared in File 3: Giovanni.

In the manga

Poliwag in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Poli

Main article: Polibo

Poliwag makes a cameo in Bulbasaur, Come Home! as one of the Pokémon that escapes from Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Danger: High Voltorb, a flashback shows Red's Poliwhirl, Poli, as a Poliwag. It has since evolved into Poliwrath.

Gold has a Poliwag in Murkrow Row, one of the many Pokémon raised in the house he lived in. It was lost when Team Rocket stole Gold's backpack and its Poké Ball was lost when fell into the water. Gold eventually retrieved Poliwag at the Famous Fishing Zone from a wild Granbull that was stealing to draw attention so that it could get its jaw healed. It evolved into Poliwhirl in Ampharos Amore and then evolved straight into Politoed utilizing a trade with its held King's Rock.

In Volume 8 the previous illustrator Mato, had used Polibo with a King's Rock as a self-portrait.

A Poliwag appeared in Slugging It Out With Slugma where it is seen as one of the Pokémon at Earl's Pokémon Academy in Violet City .

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

Shu has a Poliwag in the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Main article: Misty's Poliwag

Misty is shown with a Poliwag in Clefairy Tale. It later evolved into a Poliwhirl.

In the Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire manga

Ruby has a Poliwag at his house as seen in Something Happened!! Let's Go After Pikachu!!.

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga

A Poliwag is one of Totodile's friends.

In the TCG

Main article: Poliwag (TCG)

In the TFG

One Poliwag figure has been released.

• Groundbreakers: Poliwag

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Pinball: A Poliwag appears on the Blue Table, and earns the player points when it is hit.

Pokédex entries

Generation I Red(ENG) Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand. Blue Yellow The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking. Stadium The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.

Generation II Gold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water. Silver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this. Crystal The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats. Stadium 2 Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.

Generation III Ruby Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it. Sapphire Emerald It is possible to see this Pokémon's spiral innards right through its thin skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it. FireRed Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern. LeafGreen Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.

Generation IV Diamond Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. Pearl Platinum HeartGold Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water. SoulSilver The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.

Generation V Black Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White Black 2 Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet. White 2

Generation VI X Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern. Y The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking. Omega Ruby Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Sun The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it's affected by some disease. Moon It's still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day.

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod) Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 (Super Rod) Blue (Japan) Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod) Pallet Town, Viridian City, and Route 22 with (Super Rod) Trade for Rattata on Route 5 Yellow Pallet Town, Viridian City, Cerulean City, Cerulean Gym, Cerulean Cave, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Safari Zone, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Routes 4*, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14*, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (Good Rod) Viridian City and Routes 22 and 23 (Super Rod)

Generation II Gold Silver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Crystal Routes 22, 28, 30, 31 and 44 Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (surfing and fishing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Routes 22, 30, 31, 44 (tall grassNight)

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Fuchsia City, Berry Forest and Safari Zone (Good Rod) Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Four Island, Viridian City, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave and Ruin Valley (Good/Super Rod) Colosseum Trade XD Trade

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Route 225 (Good Rod) Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) Platinum Routes 227 and 228 (surfing) HeartGold SoulSilver Routes 22, 28, 30, 31, 44, Violet City, Ecruteak City, Viridian City, Mt. Silver* (fishing and surfing) Routes 6, 35, 43, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Blackthorn City (fishing) Cliff Edge Gate (Good/Super Rod) Cerulean Cave (Old/Good Rod) Safari Zone (fishing or surfing) Pal Park Pond Pokéwalker Beautiful Beach and Blue Lake

Generation V Black White Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Super Rod) Black 2 White 2 Routes 6, 19, 20, 23, Floccesy Ranch, Relic Passage, Lostlorn Forest, Giant Chasm, Victory Road, Clay Tunnel, Wellspring Cave (Super Rod) Dream World Pleasant Forest

Generation VI X Y Routes 14, 15, 16, 19, Route 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road (Old Rod) Pokémon Village (Horde Encounter) Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade

Generation VII Sun Moon Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden, Poké Pelago

In side games

Generation I Snap River Pinball Pallet Town, Viridian City

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Channel Secret Cove Trozei! Phobos Submarine, Endless Level 22, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Silent Chasm (5F-9F), Northwind Field (1F-4F), Waterfall Pond (1F-5F) Ranger Krokka Tunnel

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Waterfall Cave (B1-B8), Serenity River (B1-B7) MD Sky Waterfall Cave (B1-B8), Serenity River (B1-B7) Rumble Bright Beach (Normal Mode C)

Generation V Rumble Blast Lake: Everspring Valley Rumble U Magical Lake: Let's Sing a Song

Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle: Stage 1Sa Shuffle Blau Salon: Stage 425 Rumble World Gold Plateau: Purifying Pond (All Areas), Plasma Tundra: Misty Moor (All Areas)

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Growth Poliwag	English	United States	5	June 8 to 21, 2002
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Lovely Kiss Poliwag	English	United States	5	February 7 to 13, 2003
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Sweet Kiss Poliwag	English	United States	5	February 7 to 13, 2003
FRLG	Egg Pokémon Present Poliwag	Japanese	Japan	5	March 21 to April 4, 2004

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 40		100 - 147	190 - 284
Attack: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Defense: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Atk: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Def: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Speed: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Total: 300	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 40.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/4 ★★★☆	Power 1/2 ★☆
Skill 2/3 ★★☆	Stamina 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Jump 2/4 ★★☆☆	Total 11/18 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Water Sport Water Status 0000— ——% 15 055 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25 088 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 1111 Bubble Water Special 04040 100100% 30 1515 Double Slap Normal Physical 01515 08585% 10 1818 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— ——% 5 2121 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100100% 15 2525 Bubble Beam Water Special 06565 100100% 20 2828 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 09595% 15 3131 Belly Drum Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 3535 Wake-Up Slap Fighting Physical 07070 100100% 10 3838 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5 4141 Mud Bomb Ground Special 06565 08585% 10

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

By TM/HM

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM07 TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM13 TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM14 TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM29 TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM55 TM55 Scald Water Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM94 TM94 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM98 TM98 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20

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

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Bubble Beam 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 Poliwag in Generation VII 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 Poliwag in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwag Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Poliwag can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Poliwag cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Poliwag Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Poliwag Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Rollout	Poliwag (Neo Discovery 62) Poliwag (Expedition 125)
Tackle	Poliwag (Legends Awakened 114)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball   Acquisition: Catch			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.1% Friend Area: Tadpole Pond Phrases 51%-100% HP It's easier for me in the water! 26%-50% HP I only have half my HP left... 1%-25% HP No more, please... I'm nearly fainting... Help... Level up Yippee! I leveled up! I'm so happy!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: F
Pokémon Ranger Group: Water Poké Assist: Water Field move: (Soak ×1) Loops: 4 Min. exp.: 20 Max. exp.: 30 Browser entry R-000 If Poliwag spots a Ranger, it becomes startled and dives underwater.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ● Defense ● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Battle Trozei Water Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Water Attack Power: 50 - 70 0 #591 Cheer Increases the chance that the next match's skill is triggered.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 80 Base Attack: 101 Base Defense: 82 Egg Distance: 5 km Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 25 Fast Attacks: Bubble, Mud Shot Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Mud Bomb, Body Slam

Evolution

Unevolved Poliwag  Water	Level 25 →	First Evolution Poliwhirl  Water	Water Stone →	Second Evolution Poliwrath  Water  Fighting
			Trade holding King's Rock →	Second Evolution Politoed  Water

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

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

Trivia

• Poliwag is the favorite Pokémon of Satoshi Tajiri.
• In its FireRed Pokédex entry, it is stated Poliwag has black skin. The Ruby and Sapphire Pokédex entry for Poliwhirl states that Poliwhirl's skin is covered in oily fluid—if the same applies to Poliwag, it might be a case similar to the common bilberry: the berry itself is black but covered in a wax-like coating that makes it look blue.
• In The Official Pokémon Handbook, published by Scholastic, the back cover says "Did you know that the swirls on Poliwhirl's stomach changes direction when it evolves into Poliwag?" However, Poliwhirl evolves from, not into, Poliwag.
• Generation V changed Poliwag's base Experience yield from 77 to 60, making it the only Pokémon whose base Experience yield is the same as its National Dex number.
• Poliwag shares its species name with Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, and Tympole. They are all known as the Tadpole Pokémon.
• Prior to Generation VI, Poliwag and Ditto had the same cry.
• A prototype design of Poliwag was shown on Game Freak's official Japanese website.

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the intestines of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin.

Name origin

Poliwag is a corruption of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole). Wag may refer to its long tail, although it is worth noting that polliwog literally means "head-wiggle."

Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering) and 子供 kodomo (child).

In other languages

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: needs Icelandic meaning

Language Title Meaning Japanese ニョロモ Nyoromo From ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro and 子供 kodomo French Ptitard From petit and têtard Spanish Poliwag Same as English name German Quapsel From Kaulquappe Italian Poliwag Same as English name Korean 발챙이 Balchengi From 발 bal and 올챙이 olchaeng'i Mandarin Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Wénxiāngkēdǒu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪 Cantonese Chinese 蚊香蝌蚪 Mānhēungfōdáu From 蚊香 and 蝌蚪

More languages Hindi पॉलीवॅग Poliwag Transcription of English name Icelandic Fjölli* Lithuanian Polivagas From English name Russian Поливаг Polivag Transcription of English name

Related articles

• Misty's Poliwag
• Poli
• Polibo

Notes

← #059: Arcanine

Pokémon

#061: Poliwhirl →

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.