Cubone
Cubone is a Ground-type Pokémon in the Pokémon franchise. It is known for wearing the skull of its deceased mother as a helmet and is often associated with a sad and lonely demeanor. Cubone evolves into Marowak when it reaches a certain level.
| National Pokedex No: 0104 |
| Type: |
| Category: Lonely Pokémon |
| Height: 0.4 m (1′04″) |
| Weight : 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Rock Head or Lightning Rod/Battle Armor |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Cubone is a Pokémon known for its distinctive physical characteristics. Here are details about Cubone’s physical features.
Cubone is a small, bipedal Pokémon with a reptilian appearance. It has a round body covered in light brown skin. Its most notable feature is the skull it wears on its head, believed to be that of its deceased mother. Cubone’s eyes are visible beneath the skull, typically expressing a sense of sadness or loneliness.
The skull serves as Cubone’s helmet and provides protection. The skull is worn over Cubone’s head, leaving only its eyes exposed. The origin of the skull is central to Cubone’s lore, symbolizing the Pokémon’s connection to its deceased parent. Cubone’s eyes are visible beneath the skull, and they often convey a sense of emotion, particularly sadness or loneliness.
Cubone is often depicted carrying a bone club, which it uses as a weapon.The bone club is an extension of Cubone’s natural arm anatomy and reflects its Ground-type attributes. Cubone has a short, tapered tail, contributing to its overall balance. The tail is often seen in a curled or upright position.
Cubone is a relatively small Pokémon, standing at about 1 foot, 4 inches (0.4 meters) tall on average. It has a compact build with a sturdy frame, suitable for its Ground-type characteristics. In terms of physical appearance, male and female Cubone are indistinguishable.
Cubone’s physical characteristics, including its skull helmet and bone club, contribute to its unique and memorable design. The Pokémon’s appearance and lore have made it a symbol of resilience and connection in the Pokémon world.
Behaviour
Cubone’s behavior is characterized by various nuanced traits, reflecting both its environmental adaptation and emotional responses. Here’s a more detailed exploration.
Cubone is predominantly a nocturnal Pokémon, displaying heightened activity during the night. Its nighttime behavior may involve foraging for food, exploring its surroundings, and patrolling its territory under the cover of darkness.
Due to its inherent skittishness, Cubone tends to be easily startled and may react defensively to sudden movements or loud noises. Its cautious demeanor serves as a survival instinct, allowing it to navigate potential threats in its environment. Cubone exhibits protective behaviors related to its skull, engaging in rituals to ensure its safety. It may be seen inspecting and adjusting the skull, showcasing a level of attachment and responsibility towards this protective accessory.
Proficient in wielding its bone club, Cubone’s combat skills extend to both offensive and defensive maneuvers. The bone club serves as an extension of Cubone’s physical abilities, providing a means of self-defense in the wild.
Cubone’s eyes are expressive, conveying a spectrum of emotions from sadness and loneliness to vulnerability. Its emotional state may fluctuate based on external stimuli, and interactions with other Pokémon or Trainers can evoke different responses.
Cubone may exhibit territorial instincts, particularly when it comes to protecting its nesting or living area. Nesting behavior may involve constructing simple shelters or arranging its surroundings in a way that provides a sense of security. While Cubone is generally portrayed as a loner, it may still engage in social interactions, especially during mating seasons or encounters with other Ground-type Pokémon.
Upon evolving into Marowak, Cubone’s behavior may undergo shifts reflective of increased maturity and protective instincts. Marowak is often depicted as more assertive and less skittish, showcasing growth and adaptation in response to its life experiences.
Cubone’s multifaceted behavior combines its inherent instincts for survival with the emotional weight of its tragic past, creating a Pokémon that is both resilient and deeply connected to its environment.
Evolution
The evolution of Cubone is a crucial aspect of its life cycle in the Pokémon world. Here are the details about the evolution of Cubone.
Cubone evolves into Marowak starting at level 28. This evolution is triggered by gaining experience points through battles and gaining levels. The process represents Cubone’s growth and maturity, transitioning into a more powerful form.
The evolution occurs based on the accumulation of experience points rather than external factors like friendship or time of day. As Cubone gains battle experience, it reaches the necessary level to undergo metamorphosis.
Upon evolution, Cubone undergoes significant physical changes to become Marowak. Marowak is larger and more robust compared to the smaller and more timid Cubone. The most noticeable change is the transformation of the skull Cubone wears. In Marowak, the skull becomes a permanent part of its anatomy. Marowak’s own skull is thicker and more durable, emphasizing its strength and adaptability.
Marowak retains the bone club as a prominent feature, showcasing the weapon’s continued importance in its evolved state. The bone club becomes larger and more formidable, reflecting Marowak’s increased strength.
Marowak’s behavior often shifts from the skittish and cautious nature associated with Cubone to a more assertive and mature demeanor. While individual variations exist, Marowak is generally portrayed as a more confident and formidable Pokémon.
In the Alola region, Cubone has an alternate evolution into Alolan Marowak. Alolan Marowak is a Fire/Ghost type, showcasing unique adaptations to the Alolan environment.
The evolution of Cubone is intertwined with its backstory, emphasizing themes of grief and loss. Cubone’s skull, believed to be that of its deceased mother, becomes a poignant symbol of its evolution and resilience.
The evolution of Cubone into Marowak represents a transformative journey, both physically and emotionally. It underscores themes of growth, adaptation, and the Pokémon’s ability to overcome the challenges presented by its tragic origin story.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Goh’s Cubone
In the episode “A Snow Day for Searching!”, Goh assisted a Cubone in recovering its pilfered bone, ultimately capturing the Pokémon.
Other appearences include:
- “The School of Hard Knocks” (In this episode Cubone first appeared and it was owned by Giselle. It battled Ash‘s Pikachu and lost.)
- “Pikachu’s Vacation” (One Cubone was part of a group causing mischief until a truce was reached.)
- “Pichu Bros. in Party Panic” (Cubone assisted Meowth in party preparations, showing a sensitive side.)
- PK15 (A Cubone led a haunted house’s Pokémon inhabitants, attempting to scare away visitors.)
- “Battling With a Clean Slate!” (Alvin’s Cubone defeated Magneton and Heliolisk in a Gym battle against Clembot.)
Anime Minor Appearances
In various episodes, Cubone was spotted in different locations and situations:
- In ”Hypno’s Naptime”, it was seen in HopHopHop Town’s Pokémon Center.
- In ”Pokémon Fashion Flash”, a Cubone appeared on Scissor Street.
- In ”A Chansey Operation”, an injured Cubone received treatment at a human hospital.
- ”Princess vs. Princess” featured a Cubone competing in the Queen of the Princess Festival.
- Cubone made appearances in ”The Breeding Center Secret”, ”The Power of One”, and ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”.
- In ”Pikachu & Pichu”, a Cubone resided in Big Town.
- ”The Heartbreak of Brock” showed a Cubone living at Temacu’s father’s lab.
- Cubone participated in a street festival in ”Doin’ What Comes Natu-rally”.
- It appeared in ”Bulbasaur’s flashback in Bulbasaur… the Ambassador!” and another one was lent to Pokémon Trainers’ School in ”Gonna Rule The School!”.
Cubone also featured in ”Destiny Deoxys”, ”Showdown at Linoone”, ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, ”Giratina and the Sky Warrior”, ”Arceus and the Jewel of Life”, ”A Jolting Switcheroo!”, ”Lillie’s Egg-xhilarating Challenge!”, ”I Choose You!”, ”The Power of Us”, ”I Choose Paradise!”, ”Enter Pikachu!”, ”Heroes Unite!”, and ”The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!”.
Cubone owned by Coordinators were seen in the episodes ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, and ”Dawn’s Early Night!” (used for Double Performance at Hearthome Contest).
A Trainer’s Cubone appeared in the episodes:
- ”Wired for Battle!” (as an image in Shingo’s laptop)
- ”Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!” (in a flashback)
- ”Alola to New Adventure!” (Two Trainers’ Cubone)
- ”Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!”
- ”Alola, Kanto!”
- ”Securing the Future!” (four of them)
- ”The Dealer of Destruction!”
- ”Take My Thief! Please!”
- ”Getting to the Heart of it All!”
Manga Appearances
Pocket Monsters DP
One Cubone appeared in the sixteenth chapter of the Pocket Monsters DP manga, PMDP16.
Pokémon Adventures
In “Onix is On!”, a Trainer from Pewter Gym showcased their Cubone in a brief appearance, engaging in a battle against Red’s Bulbasaur. In “The Jynx Jinx” another Cubone silhouette appeared during Green’s discussion about Mew. In “Piloswine Whine” Team Rocket Grunts commanded multiple Cubone to attack Gold and Silver, but the duo easily defeated them.
Crystal’s Cubone, nicknamed Bonee, debuted in “Slugging It Out With Slugma.” With a distinctive star-shaped crack in its skull, Bonee plays a vital role in Crystal’s team, specializing in long-range bone-based attacks. In “Lively Larvitar,” Bonee’s origin is unveiled, involving a wild encounter in Mt. Mortar where Bonee and others fought a berserk Arcanine. The Cubone used bone clubs as arm casts for Crystal.
In “The Last Battle XIII”, a Cubone participated in the Ilex Forest fight. Additionally, a Cubone owned by a Youngster appeared in “Weavile Wobbles But It Won’t Fall Down” at the Safari Zone, while another Cubone featured in a fantasy in “Ray of Light!! Through the Crack in the Sky!”.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Exeggcute made an appearances in the the sixteenth chapter of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga, GDZ16, owned by Ken, one of Shu’s many rivals.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
In “Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!”, a Cubone participated in a baseball match, partnering with Green during the game. It also made appearances in “Clefairy’s Christmas Present?!” and “Pikachu’s Birthday Party”. Giovanni utilized a Cubone in his Gym battle against Red in “Get The Last Badge!!”, and Red captured a Cubone before the events of “Red VS Green?!”. Additionally, a Cubone featured in “Demanding Tests at the Pokémon School!”.
Pokémon Zensho
A Cubone made an appearence in the fourth chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga, PZ05.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Pokémon Tower |
| Pokémon Yellow | Pokémon Tower and Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Rock Tunnel |
| Pokémon Crystal | Rock Tunnel, Goldenrod Game Corner |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Pokémon Tower and Sevault Canyon |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 203 |
| Pokémon Platinum | Route 203 |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Rock Tunnel, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Breed Marowak |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Trade |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Glittering Cave |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Wela Volcano Park |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Wela Volcano Park |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Rock Tunnel, Pokémon Tower |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Route 203, Rocky Cave, Dazzling Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Big Bluff Cavern, Stargleam Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Unobtainable |
Cubone's origin name
Cubone’s name reflects its unique characteristics and backstory.
English: Cubone – The name “Cubone” is a combination of “cub,” referring to a young animal, and “bone,” emphasizing the Pokémon’s association with bones and its use of a bone club.
Japanese: カラカラ (Karakara) – The Japanese name for Cubone is “Karakara,” which is an onomatopoeic term for a dry, rattling sound. This name likely refers to the sound produced by bones, aligning with Cubone’s bone-related themes.
German: Tragosso – In German, Cubone is known as “Tragosso,” which combines “Trag” (carry) and “Osso” (bone).
French: Osselait – The French name for Cubone is “Osselait,” derived from “Os” (bone) and “Lait” (milk). This name alludes to the skull Cubone wears, possibly as a reference to the mother’s milk it associates with.
Spanish: Cubone – The Spanish name for Cubone remains the same as in English, keeping the “Cubone” designation.
Italian: Cubone – Similarly, in Italian, Cubone retains its English name, being referred to as “Cubone.”
Korean: 돌살이 (Dolsari) – In Korean, Cubone is known as “Dolsari,” where “돌” (dol) means stone or rock, and “살이” (sari) means flesh. The name might suggest the rocky appearance of Cubone’s exterior.
Chinese Simplified: 卡拉卡拉 (Kǎlākǎlā) – In Simplified Chinese, Cubone is called “卡拉卡拉,” pronounced as “Kǎlākǎlā,” which is similar to its Japanese name and conveys the bone-rattling sound.
Chinese Traditional: 卡拉卡拉 (Kǎlākǎlā) – The Traditional Chinese name is the same as the Simplified Chinese version, written as “卡拉卡拉.”
Cubone’s names across languages often retain elements related to bones, carrying, or the rattling sound associated with bones. The names contribute to the Pokémon’s identity and themes, particularly its connection to the bones it wears and the emotional resonance of its origin story.