Dratini
Dratini is a Dragon-type Pokémon known for its serpentine appearance and ability to learn powerful moves as it evolves.
| National Pokedex No: 0147 |
| Type: |
| Category: Dragon Pokémon |
| Height: 1.8 m (5′11″) |
| Weight: 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50% ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Shed Skin/Marvel Scale |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Dratini is a Pokémon known for its sleek, serpentine physique. Its body is typically described as long and slender, resembling that of a snake. Dratini’s skin is smooth and covered in fine scales, contributing to its aquatic appearance. The Pokémon’s primary coloration is a vivid shade of blue, although its underbelly may be slightly lighter in hue. Along its back runs a series of small, white-colored dorsal fins, which give Dratini a distinct profile.
The Pokémon’s head is relatively large in proportion to its body, featuring a rounded shape with a pointed snout. Dratini’s eyes are particularly striking, being large, round, and crystal-clear, with an almost transparent quality to them. Despite lacking visible pupils, Dratini’s eyes are highly expressive, often conveying a sense of innocence and wonder. Its mouth is relatively small and inconspicuous, housing sharp teeth that it uses for biting and chewing.
Dratini’s tail is notably lengthy, extending from the rear of its body and tapering to a fine point. While slender, the tail is quite flexible and capable of rapid movements, aiding Dratini in swimming and agility-based maneuvers. Despite its lack of limbs, Dratini possesses a pair of small, wing-like appendages located near its head. These wings are not suitable for flight but may assist Dratini in maintaining balance or executing subtle movements while swimming.
Overall, Dratini’s physical characteristics emphasize its aquatic nature and hint at its potential for growth and power as it evolves into its larger and more formidable forms, Dragonair and Dragonite.
Behaviour
Dratini is known for its calm and gentle demeanor, often exhibiting behavior that reflects its peaceful nature. Despite being a Dragon-type Pokémon, Dratini is not particularly aggressive and tends to avoid conflict whenever possible. Instead, it prefers to spend its time swimming gracefully in bodies of water or basking in the sun on rocky shores.
One of Dratini’s most notable behaviors is its affinity for water. It is commonly found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, where it can often be seen gracefully gliding beneath the surface. Dratini is an excellent swimmer, utilizing its long, serpentine body and tail to navigate through the water with ease. It may also engage in playful activities such as splashing or diving to catch prey.
Despite its serene demeanor, Dratini is not entirely defenseless. When threatened, it may attempt to intimidate predators by hissing or baring its sharp teeth. However, Dratini prefers to avoid confrontation whenever possible and will typically flee from danger rather than engage in combat. It relies on its speed and agility to evade potential threats, using its streamlined body to swiftly navigate through its environment.
Dratini is also known for its curious nature, often displaying interest in its surroundings and investigating new objects or stimuli. It may approach trainers or other Pokémon out of curiosity, particularly if they exhibit friendly behavior. Dratini is intelligent and capable of forming strong bonds with trainers who treat it kindly, showing loyalty and affection towards those it trusts.
In fact, Dratini’s behavior reflects its gentle and inquisitive nature, making it a beloved Pokémon among trainers and researchers alike. Its peaceful demeanor and graceful movements make it a joy to observe in its natural habitat.
Evolution
Dratini is the base form of the evolutionary line. Despite its small size, Dratini displays remarkable potential for growth and development. It is known for its calm and gentle demeanor, preferring to avoid conflict whenever possible.
Dragonair is the second stage of the evolutionary line, evolving from Dratini starting at level 30. Upon evolving, Dratini’s body elongates and its serpentine form becomes even more pronounced. Dragonair’s scales take on a deeper shade of blue, and it gains distinctive fins on its head and tail. It also develops small, wing-like appendages, though it still cannot fly. Dragonair retains Dratini’s peaceful nature but gains increased power and strength.
Dragonite is the final stage of the evolutionary line, evolving from Dragonair starting at level 55. Upon evolution, Dragonite undergoes a significant transformation, becoming a large, powerful dragon. Its body becomes bulkier, and it gains the ability to fly using its sizable wings. Dragonite’s scales change to orange, and it gains prominent facial features such as eyes, nostrils, and a mouth with sharp teeth. Dragonite is known for its incredible strength, speed, and agility, as well as its friendly and loyal demeanor. Despite its fearsome appearance, Dragonite is often described as a kind-hearted Pokémon that uses its abilities to protect others.
The evolutionary line of Dratini showcases a gradual progression from a small and serene creature to a mighty and powerful dragon, with each stage representing a significant milestone in its development.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Clair’s Dratini
In the English dub, Dratini first appeared in “Beauty is Skin Deep” belonging to Clair. Team Rocket attempted to steal it but was unsuccessful. By the episode’s end, Dratini evolved into Dragonair.
Other appearences include episodes:
- Banned episode EP035 (Dratini first appeared under the care of the Safari Zone’s warden. By the episode’s end, it was revealed that the warden’s Dratini from 30 years ago had evolved into Dragonair and now had its own Dratini offspring.)
- ”Showdown at the Gates of Warp!”(Ash‘s Dragonite devolved into a Dragonair and then into a Dratini due to Dialga and Palkia’s influence. However, it was later reverted back to Dragonite in the same episode.)
Anime Minor Appearances
In ”Ditto’s Mysterious Mansion”, a Dratini featured in one of Team Rocket’s fantasies. ”Snorlax Snowman” showcased another Dratini. ”Performing with Fiery Charm!” depicted a Performer’s Dratini in a video. ”Alola to New Adventure!” displayed a Trainer’s Dratini on Melemele Island’s beach.
”Pikachu’s Exciting Adventure!’‘ showcased a Dratini. ”League Offenders and Defenders!” featured a Trainer’s Dratini. During the Manalo Conference in ”Battling on the Wing!”, a Trainer’s Dratini observed battles. In ”A Test in Paradise!”, Goh and Ash observed a Dratini on Dragonite Island shedding its skin before swimming.
Manga Appearances
Pokémon Adventures
Dratini made its debut in “Drat That Dratini!” within Viridian Forest, where it initially attacked Yellow but was pacified by Red. It later resurfaced in a flashback in “Bang the Drum, Slowbro”. Lance’s Dragonite was formerly a Dratini, as depicted in “The Legend” revealing it suffered from human industrialization. This event drove Lance to develop his plan to confront humanity years later.
Clair’s Dragonair was previously a Dratini, revealed in a flashback in ”The Last Battle II”. Additionally, in ”The Last Battle XIII”, a Dratini joined the battle in Ilex Forest. Lastly, in ”The Final Battle IV”, a Dratini aided Emerald in overcoming his disabilities.
Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition ~ Ranse’s Color Picture Scroll ~
In this manga Dratini owned by Ranmaru, a Warlord in Pokémon Conquest, was seen in ”The Black Scroll: Nobunaga’s Ambition”.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
In Lance’s Dragonite’s tale in ”The Final Battle!!”, a Dratini featured in a fictional encounter with Lance.
In ”Good-Bye, Pikachu?!”, a Dratini bonded with Pikachu and evolved into Dragonair to protect it from Giovanni’s Pokémon. Later, it evolved into Dragonite when Clefairy intervened.
Pokémon Zensho
In the fifth chapter of this manga, PZ06, Satoshi encountered a Dratini while fishing in the Safari Zone. He later traded it to a Fisherman for Water-type Pokémon and the Safari Zone Warden’s missing dentures.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Celadon City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Yellow | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Route 45, Dragon's Den, Goldenrod City |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 45, Dragon's Den |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Celadon City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Mt. Coronet |
| Pokémon Platinum | Mt. Coronet |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Dragon's Den, Safari Zone, Goldenrod City |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Dragonspiral Tower |
| Pokémon Black 2 | Dragonspiral Tower |
| Pokémon White 2 | Dragonspiral Tower, Floccesy Town |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Route 21 |
| Pokémon Omega Rubya and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Poni Gauntlet, Poni Meadow, Vast Poni Canyon |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Poni Gauntlet, Poni Meadow |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Route 10 |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Mt. Coronet, Fountainspring Cave |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Two), South Province (Area Six) |
Dratini's origin name
English: In English, Dratini’s name likely comes from a combination of “dragon” and possibly “tiny” or “teeny”, reflecting its small size compared to its evolutions.
Japanese: ミニリュウ (Miniryu) – This name combines “mini” with “ryu”, which means “dragon”.
French: Minidraco – Similar to the English name, it combines “mini” with “draco”, the Latin word for “dragon”.
German: Dratini – The German name is the same as the English one.
Spanish: Dratini – The Spanish name is also the same as the English one.
Italian: Dratini – Again, the Italian name remains the same as the English one.
Korean: 망나니 (Mangnani) – This name may come from the Korean word “망나니” which means “rascal” or “little devil”, possibly reflecting its mischievous nature.
Chinese (Simplified): 迷你龙 (Mínǐlóng) – Combines “迷你” (mínǐ), meaning “mini”, with “龙” (lóng), meaning “dragon”.
Chinese (Traditional): 迷你龍 (Mínǐlóng) – Same as the Simplified Chinese version, but in Traditional Chinese characters.