Charmander (Pokémon)

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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 87.5% male, 12.5% female
Breeding Monster and Dragon groups 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 1 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 Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves into Charmeleon starting at level 16, who evolves into Charizard at level 36.

Along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle, it is one of three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen.

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 Pokémon dies, although this has never happened in the anime, manga, or video games.

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

Gender differences

This pokémon does not have gender differences.

Special abilities

Charmander can breathe fire, which allows them to use a wide range of Template:Type2 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, but Charmander can only use this move in the Second Generation games and beyond. 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. It is often regarded as the most difficult Pokémon to start with because it has a disadvantage against the first two Gym Leaders in Kanto (Brock and Misty).

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. They are also stubbornly loyal. In that same episode, Charmander wouldn't move from the rock, because Damian told it to wait. Ash had to carry it because it refused to move, even in the rain.

Habitat

File:Mountain.gif

Mountain Pokémon

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 or in rocky, heated crags and caves along the coast of the Sevii Islands. Their final evolution, Charizard, also inhabits the Charicific Valley or near mountain chains. 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

Major appearances

Charmander in the anime

Ash's Charmander

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's Charmander

Ritchie owned a Charmander named Zippo, which debuted in A Friend In Deed. Sometime before the Whirl Islands story arc, Zippo evolved into a Charmeleon.

Other

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.

File:Charmandergogotters.png

Charmander from the Team Go-Getters

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

Minor appearances

Charmander was mentioned in the first episode of the anime, Pokémon - I Choose You!, as one of the three starter Pokémon new Trainers in Pallet Town can choose from. Ash dreamed of owning one, although it was his last choice of a starter coming after Squirtle and Bulbasaur. However, when he arrived at Oak's lab, he found out it was too late, as another Trainer who started the same day had already taken it.

A Charmander was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

Another Charmander was seen with Professor Oak in A Six Pack Attack! along with a Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Another was seen in The Right Place and The Right Mime, along with another Bulbasaur and Squirtle.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP011 Charmander Ash's Pokédex Charmander. A flame burns on the tip of its tail from birth. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out. EP025 Rage Ash's Pokédex Charmander's special attack, Rage. It gains more power the more it is attacked. It will continue to fight until its opponent falls.

In the manga

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) had 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.

Pokémon Special

Charmander debuted in the first round of the Red, Green & Blue chapter, A Glimpse of the Glow, as one of Green's first Pokémon, likely received from his grandfather Professor Oak. It has since evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard, and is part of his Gym team.

In the TCG

Main article: Charmander (TCG)

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 The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely. 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 Received from a Trainer on Route 24
Generation II Gold Silver None Time Capsule Crystal None Time Capsule
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 Pal Park HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park Field 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 Snap	Volcano
Pokémon Stadium	Gym Leader Castle
Pokémon Channel	Mt. Snowfall
Pokémon Trozei!	Huge Storage 5 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Starter Pokémon Fiery Field (5F-8F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Starter Pokémon Giant Volcano (1F-19F) Dark Crater (B1-B10)
Pokémon Ranger	Jungle Relic
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Ranger School Volcano Cave
Pokémon Rumble	Fiery Furnace

Held items

Game	Items
Gold, Silver, and Crystal	Bitter Berry (trade from Generation I)

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.

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | fire | style="background:#E62829" |  fire 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Charmander | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By TM/HM

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | fire | style="background:#E62829" |  fire 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Charmander | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#EF7374" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

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 Charmander images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• In the film Austin Powers in Goldmember, in the scene where the 'Godzilla' moves about destroying everything, an actor in the foreground, wearing a Charmander suit, and another actor, in the background wearing a Pikachu suit, can be seen trying to move away from the ensuing chaos.
• Charmander is the first Template:Type2 Pokémon and the first single-type Pokémon in National Dex order.
• In the first generation, Charmander's "back" is depicted as having a small line of spikes. The spikes were not shown in the sprites of later generations. Charmander also had these spikes in the Pokémon Special manga, the spikes were larger and easier to see. The spikes were also seen on Kai Midorikawa's Charmander from the Pocket Monsters manga. This spike can also be seen on the Green Charmander sprite.
• Charmander appears in the fewest anime episodes of any Kanto starter Pokémon; it only appears when owned by Ash, Ritchie, and in numerous other minor appearances. The other two starters, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, have been owned by other main characters.
• In the US T.V show, Malcolm in the Middle, a Charmander doll can be seen sitting on the bed in some episodes, along with a Squirtle doll.
• Charmander is the tallest of the Fire-type starters.
• Charmander is the only Fire-type starter that is in the Monster Egg Group.
• It is possible that Charmander's tail flame may be more resilient than a regular flame, as it has withstood being frozen in Ice attacks and hit by Water-type attacks in the games without any adverse side-effects. Also, some Pokédex entries state Charmander's tail flame as "producing steam" when it rains, while a flame of the size of Charmander's tail would normally be put out by rain.

Origin

Charmander may have been partially inspired by the salamander, an amphibian bearing a slender body, short nose, and a long tail; it exhibits other physical lizard like characteristics. The salamander and Charmander themselves may have been inspired by the mythological creature of the same name, the salamander; fire-spirits who survive in extreme heat or flames, sometimes creatively rendered and interpreted to be in the shape of lizards.

Name origin

Charmander is a portmanteau 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".

In other languages

• German: Glumanda - Derived from Glut (ember, also the German translation for the move of the same name) and Salamander.
• French: Salamèche - From Salamandre (salamander) and mèche (wick).
• Korean: 파이리 Fili - Derived from the English words fire (파이어) and lizard (리자드).
• Chinese (Hong Kong and Taiwan): 小火龍 Xiǎo Hǔo Lóng - "Little fire dragon".

Related articles

• Ash's Charmander
• Zippo
• Charmander (PiPiPi)
• Kai Midorikawa's Charmander

External links

• Charmander Fan, the fanlisting for Charmander

Notes

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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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.