Charmeleon
Charmeleon, the Flame Pokémon, is known for its fiery attitude and powerful flames. As the evolved form of Charmander, it embodies the fiery spirit on its journey to becoming the mighty Charizard.
| National Pokedex No: 0005 |
Type: |
| Category: Flame Pokémon |
| Height: 1.1 m (3′07″) |
| Weight : 19.0 kg (41.9 lbs) |
| Gender: 87.5% ♂, 12.5 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Blaze/Solar Power |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Charmeleon retains its bipedal, reptilian structure. It stands on two legs and has two short arms with clawed fingers. Its body is orange in color, and it has a cream-colored underside. Its blue eyes appear more intense than Charmander’s, giving it a more assertive look.
Unlike Charmander’s flame-tipped tail, Charmeleon’s tail flame burns hotter and more vigorously. The flame’s increased intensity is indicative of its evolving strength. Charmeleon develops prominent, curved horns on the back of its head. These horns are an additional feature not present in its previous form.
While Charmeleon does not have fully developed wings, small wing-like structures can be observed on its back. These wings will eventually transform into large wings upon further evolution into Charizard. Charmeleon grows larger and more imposing than Charmander but is still smaller than its final evolution, Charizard.
Charmeleon’s skin becomes tougher and more scaled as it progresses in its evolutionary line, providing increased protection.
These physical changes reflect Charmeleon’s transition from a young and adorable Pokémon into a more formidable and aggressive stage in its life cycle.
Behaviour
Charmeleon, as a Pokémon, exhibits distinct behaviors that reflect its fiery and independent nature. Here are some characteristics of Charmeleon’s behavior.
Charmeleon is known for its spirited and sometimes aggressive demeanor. It becomes more temperamental and defiant as it evolves from Charmander. This behavior is a manifestation of its growing power and confidence.
Charmeleon possesses a strong desire to prove itself in battles. It is highly competitive and always seeks to challenge opponents to showcase its strength. This competitive spirit continues to intensify as it evolves into Charizard.
While Charmeleon might appear aloof, it retains a sense of loyalty and can be protective of its Trainer and fellow Pokémon. It may display a more caring side in certain situations, especially when it has formed a strong bond with its Trainer.
Charmeleon’s bold and fearless nature can sometimes lead it to act recklessly. It might take on opponents or challenges that are beyond its current capabilities, showcasing both its confidence and occasional lack of caution. As Charmeleon evolves, it may start exhibiting leadership qualities. In a group setting, it might assert dominance or take charge, especially if other Pokémon acknowledge its strength.
Charmeleon can be quite stubborn, sticking to its decisions even if they might not be the most strategic. This trait is a part of its evolving personality, and Trainers often need to navigate and understand this stubbornness.
Evolution
Charmeleon is the second evolutionary stage in the Charmander evolutionary line, and its evolution is a crucial part of the Pokémon’s growth.
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon starting at level 16. Upon reaching this level, Charmander undergoes a natural transformation, growing stronger and acquiring new abilities.
The evolution is marked by visible physical changes. Charmeleon grows larger in size, and its body structure alters. It now stands on two legs, and its wings and tail flame become more prominent. Along with the physical changes, Charmeleon gains increased strength, speed, and enhanced combat abilities. Its attacks become more potent, reflecting its evolution into a more formidable Fire-type Pokémon.
The next stage in the evolutionary line occurs when Charmeleon evolves into Charizard. This evolution happens at level 36. The evolution into Charizard is a significant and dramatic transformation. Charmeleon’s body undergoes further changes, and it gains wings that allow it to fly. The flame at the end of its tail burns hotter and becomes a powerful symbol of its evolved state.
One of the most notable additions is Charizard’s ability to fly. In certain Pokémon games, Charizard has the ability to Mega Evolve.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Here are some notable appearances of Charmeleon in the Pokémon anime:
Ash’s Charmeleon
Ash‘s Charmander debuted in “Charmander – The Stray Pokémon” (Season 1: Episode 11). Charmander evolved into Charmeleon in “March of the Exeggutor Squad” (Season 1: Episode 43). But verz soon he evolved into Charizard in “Charizard Chills” (Season 1: Episode 46).
Zippo
Zippo (Charmender who has been owned by Ritchie) in the episode ”A Parent Trapped” evolves into Charmeleon.
Alain’s Charmeleon
Alain, a skilled Trainer and rival to Ash, had a Charmender who evolved during Alain’s journey into Charmeleon.
Trevor’s Charmeleon
Trevor is a Pokémon Trainer and photographer from Lumiose City. He is one of the Ashes rivals. Trevor obtained Charizard as his starter Pokémon from Professor Sycamore when it was still a Charmander. In the episode “A Legendary Photo Op!”, it was disclosed that Charmander had undergone evolution into Charmeleon.
Leon’s Charmeleon
Leo is a Galar’s Pokémon Champion. In the episode “Sword and Shield: The Darkest Day!”, a flashback unveiled that Leon’s Charizard had previously been a Charmeleon.
Anime Minor Appearances
Here are five notable minor appearances of Charmeleon in the Pokémon anime:
“March of the Exeggutor Squad” (Season 1, Episode 43):
In this episode, Ash encounters a wild Charmeleon while dealing with a group of Exeggutor. It showcases Charmeleon’s fiery and independent nature.
“Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon” (Season 1, Episode 49):
Charmeleon makes a brief appearance when Ash’s Charizard encounters a wild Aerodactyl. This episode highlights Charizard’s evolving attitude and rivalry.
“The Breeding Center Secret” (Season 1, Episode 64):
While not a central character, Charmeleon is featured in a TV commercial about Cassidy’s and Butch’s breeding center. It gives a glimpse of Charmeleon’s role in promotional content.
“Gotta Catch Ya Later!” (Season 5, Episode 65):
Charmeleon is briefly seen during the Johto Journeys, showing that it continued to travel with Charizard and remains a significant part of Ash’s team.
“A Full Battle Bounty!” (Season 23, Episode 15):
Professor Kukui’s Charizard, which was once a Charmeleon, participates in a Full Battle against Ash. This episode provides a link to Charizard’s evolution line.
Manga Appearances
Here are notable appearances of Charmeleon in the Pokémon manga across different series:
The Electric Tale of Pikachu – Chapter: “You Gotta Have Friends”
Ash’s Charmeleon is featured, marking its appearance after evolving from Charmander. The manga takes a different approach to Charmeleon’s capture and evolution compared to the anime.
Pokémon Adventures (Red, Green & Blue arc): – Chapter: “A Glimpse of the Glow”
Blue, the rival of Red, chooses Charmeleon as one of his first Pokémon from his grandfather, Professor Oak. It evolves into Charizard during their journey.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Green, Red’s rival, also owns a mischievous Charmander. It evolves into Charizard and later reverts to Charmander. Blue, another character, also has a Charmander.
Pokémon Zensho
Satoshi (Ash) chooses Charmander as his starter Pokémon in this manga series.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon Yellow | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Time Capsule (trade) |
| Pokémon Crystal | Time Capsule (trade) |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Trade |
| Pokémon Platinum | Trade |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Friend Safari |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun Pokémon Ultra Moon | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Evolve Charmander |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Hammerlocke Hills, Lake of Outrage (Max Raid Battle) |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Evolve Charmander |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Charmeleon's origin name
Let’s explore Charmeleon’s origin name in English and several other languages.
English: Charmeleon – The English name “Charmeleon” is a combination of the words “char” (referring to fire or warmth) and “chameleon” (a type of lizard). It reflects the Pokémon’s Fire-type nature and its reptilian appearance.
Japanese: リザード (Rizādo) – In Japanese, Charmeleon is called “Rizādo,” which is a transliteration of the English word “lizard.” This emphasizes the Pokémon’s lizard-like characteristics.
French: Reptincel – The French name for Charmeleon is “Reptincel,” which combines “reptile” (referring to its lizard-like nature) and “étincelle” (spark). This name suggests the sparking flames on its tail.
German: Glutexo – In German, Charmeleon is known as “Glutexo,” which combines “Glut” (ember) and “Echse” (lizard). The name emphasizes the fiery ember on its tail and its reptilian attributes.
Spanish: Charmeleon – The Spanish name remains similar to the English one, being “Charmeleon.” It retains the combination of “char” (fire) and “chameleon.”
Italian: Charmeleon – Similarly, the Italian name is “Charmeleon,” maintaining the fusion of “char” and “chameleon.”
Korean: 리자드 (Lijadeu) – In Korean, Charmeleon is called “Lijadeu,” which is a phonetic adaptation of the English word “lizard.”
Chinese: 小火龙 (Xiǎo Huǒ Lóng) – In Chinese Charmeleon is known as ” Xiǎo Huǒ Lóng”, which can be translated as “Little Fire Dragon.” Here’s a breakdown of the name:
- 小 (Xiǎo): This means “small” or “little”.
- 火 (Huǒ): This character represents “fire,” aligning with Charmeleon’s Fire-type nature.
- 龙 (Lóng): Translates to “dragon,” emphasizing the draconic aspect of Charmeleon.
These names across different languages reflect a consistent theme related to fire, reptiles, and sparking elements, aligning with Charmeleon’s Fire-type attributes and lizard-like appearance.