Ekans
Ekans is a Poison-type Pokémon that resembles a snake. It is known for its ability to coil itself and bite with its venomous fangs.
| National Pokedex No: 0023 |
Type: |
| Category: Snake Pokémon |
| Height: 2.0 m (6′07″) |
| Weight : 6.9 kg (15.2 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Intimidate or Shed Skin/Unnerve |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Ekans is a serpentine Pokémon with distinct physical characteristics.
Ekans is a snake-like Pokémon with a long, slender body. It has a purple coloration with a cream-colored underbelly. The body is covered in overlapping scales, giving it a reptilian appearance.
The head is relatively small with pronounced jaws and sharp fangs. Ekans has yellow, intense eyes with slit pupils. Its tail is uniquely rattle-shaped with a series of rattles at the end.
Ekans’ length varies, but it typically measures around 6.9 feet (2.1 meters). It moves by slithering, using its flexible body to navigate terrain.
These physical traits contribute to Ekans’ snake-like and predatory nature in the Pokémon world.
Behaviour
Ekans, as a Pokémon species, exhibits various behaviors in the Pokémon world.
Ekans is known for its predatory nature, often hunting smaller Pokémon and sometimes even bird Pokémon. Using its coiled body, Ekans conceals itself in tall grass or caves, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Ekans employs its rattling tail to create a warning sound, signaling its presence. This may serve both as a deterrent to potential threats and a means of communication with other Ekans. While Ekans primarily moves on land, it has been observed burrowing into the ground for various purposes, including creating a den or escaping danger.
Ekans may build nests in secluded areas to lay and protect its eggs. The nests are often constructed with twigs, leaves, and other natural materials. Ekans can be territorial, defending its habitat or nesting area from intruders.
When trained by Pokémon Trainers, Ekans can develop strong bonds and show loyalty. They may exhibit friendly behavior towards their Trainer.
These behaviors contribute to Ekans’s survival instincts in the wild and its adaptability to diverse environments.
Evolution
Ekans is a Poison-type Pokémon that evolves into Arbok. Here are the details of Ekans’s evolution.
Ekans evolves primarily through leveling up gained experience points in battles. Ekans evolves into Arbok starting at level 22.
The transformation into Arbok brings noticeable changes. Arbok is larger and more serpent-like compared to Ekans. It also gains additional features, such as a hood with a menacing face pattern and larger fangs.
So, Ekans represents the first stage in a two-stage evolutionary line. It evolves into Arbok, which is the final evolutionary form. Arbok generally experiences an overall increase in its base stats, including higher Attack and Defense capabilities, making it a more formidable Pokémon in battles.
The evolution from Ekans to Arbok signifies the growth and development of the serpent Pokémon. Arbok’s design incorporates elements associated with snakes, such as a hood and a more intimidating appearance.
Trainers can facilitate the evolution of Ekans into Arbok by engaging Ekans in battles, allowing it to gain experience points and reach the required level. Using items like Rare Candies or participating in special in-game events may also contribute to leveling up and evolution.
Overall, the evolution of Ekans into Arbok is a natural progression that enhances its abilities and appearance, reflecting the theme of growth and maturation seen in many Pokémon evolutionary lines.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Jessie’s Ekans
Ekans made its debut in the Pokémon anime in the episode “Pokémon Emergency!” (Season 1, Episode 2). It was initially owned by Jessie of Team Rocket. She got it like a chūgen gift (a birthday gift in the dub).
Ekans was a key member of Team Rocket and one of the signature Pokémon belonging to Jessie. It often battled against Ash and his friends but would be defeated or sent blasting off with Team Rocket after their failed attempts to capture Pikachu. Ekans evolved into Arbok in the episode “Dig Those Diglett!”.
Team Meanies
In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon animated special “Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!” (2006), Ekans is part of Team Meanies, a group led by Gengar. The team also includes Koffing and Medicham.
Other appearences
In ”A Poached Ego!”, Rico captured multiple Ekans. Jessie released her Arbok and James’s Weezing to protect these Ekans and a group of captured Koffing. In ”Turning Heads and Training Hard!”, a Team Skull Grunt’s Ekans faced a quick defeat at the hands of Ilima and his Eevee. It also participated in the Manalo Conference in ”Battle Royal 151!”, but ended defeated once more by Ilima’s Eevee. In ”Dreams Are Made of These!”, Goh successfully caught an Ekans during a Pokémon Orienteering competition. It has continued to appear in ”Pokémon Journeys: The Series”.
Anime Minor Appearances
In various Pokémon episodes and movies, Ekans, a serpent-like Pokémon, had notable minor appearances.
A Trainer’s Ekans made appearances in ”Mewtwo Strikes Back” and ”Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution”. In ”Pikachu’s Vacation”, an Ekans was spotted at the Pokémon Theme Park. Multiple Ekans sensed disturbances caused by Lawrence III in ”The Power of One”. Additionally, an Ekans featured in the Japanese credits of ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”.
In ”Carrying On!”, one sick Ekans received treatment at Way Away Island’s Pokémon Center. Another Ekans resided in Bewilder Forest as seen in ”Different Strokes for Different Blokes”. A fantasy sequence in ”A Dancing Debut!” included an Ekans. In ”The Power of Us”, Ash caught a special blue Poké Ball-captured Ekans during the Pokémon Catch Race.
During a flashback in ”Enter Pikachu!”, an Ekans attacked Pichu but retreated when Pichu fought back. Ekans also appeared in ”Trade, Borrow, and Steal!”, ”Crowning the Chow Crusher!” and ”A Rollicking Roll…” where a Trainer’s Ekans got entangled in Gulpin’s giant ball.
Manga Appearances
These are some of Ekan’s manga appearences:
“The Electric Tale of Pikachu,”
In “Pikachu’s Excellent Adventure” Jessie’s Ekan made his first appearence.
Magical Pokémon Journey
The Ekans Brothers, led by Arbok, feature in Magical Pokémon Journey as part of the supporting cast. Initially antagonists, they later become friends with the main characters after Arbok develops a crush on Wigglytuff.
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big
Owned by Team Rocket Grunt, an Ekan appeares in the fourth chapter of the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big Adventure manga – JBA4.
Pokémon Adventures
Ekans first appeared under Koga’s ownership in “Go for the Golbat.” A flashback in “Growing Out of Gengar” showed an Ekans driven away from its home near a Power Plant.
Harry of the Team Rocket Elite Trio has an Ekans, introduced in “The Coming of Slowpoke (Eventually).” A Johto Team Rocket Grunt owns an Ekans in “Sneasel Sneak Attack.”
In “Quilava Quandary,” an Ekans was among the Pokémon pitted against Gold at the Day Care.
In “The Final Battle IV,” an Ekans aided Emerald. Team Skull Grunts were seen with an Ekans in “Flash and Cosmog’s Secret.”
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
In The New Pokémon Is Hatched!! the sixteenth chapter of the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga an Ekan appeared.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
An Ekan appeared in twenty first, twenty third, twenty seventh and thirty-fourth chapter of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga (GDZ21, GDZ23, GDZ27 and GDZ34).
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga, Ekans appears in various chapters, often accompanying characters in their adventures. (”Catch That Pokémon Thief!!”, ”Marill’s Special Training to ”To the Dragon’s Den!!”).
Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission
Ekan appeares in various episodes of this manga. Ekan was one of the Pokémon captured by Solana, with her Capture Styler.
Pokémon Zensho
An Ekan appeared in the prologue of Pokémon Zensho manga (PZ01).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 |
| Pokémon Blue | Trade |
| Pokémon Yellow | Trade |
| Pokémon Gold | Goldenrod City |
| Pokémon Silver | Routes 3, 4, 32, and 33 |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 3, 4, 26, 27, 32, 33, 42, Azalea Town |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed | Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 23 |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | Trade |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 212 |
| Pokémon Platinum | Route 212 |
| Pokémon HeartGold | Goldenrod City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | Routes 3, 4, 32, and 33, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Route 14 |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Route 2 |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Trade |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Route 3, 4 |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | Grassland Cave, Swampy Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Sunlit Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern |
| Pokémon Shining Pearl | Trade |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Ekans's origin name
The etymology of Ekans’s name across different languages provides insights into the creative and playful naming conventions used by Pokémon designers.
English: The English name “Ekans” is a reverse spelling of the word “snake,” reflecting the serpent-like characteristics of the Pokémon.
Japanese: In Japanese, Ekans is known as “アーボ” (Ābo). The Japanese name is derived from the English word “Arbok” spelled backward. Arbok is Ekans’s evolution, and this naming convention emphasizes their connection.
German: In German, Ekans is called “Rettan.” The German name “Rettan” is a combination of “Rettung” (rescue) and “Schlange” (snake), emphasizing the snake-like qualities of Ekans.
French: In French, Ekans is known as “Abo.” Similar to the Japanese name, the French name “Abo” is derived from “Arbok” spelled backward.
Spanish: In Spanish, Ekans is called “Ekans.” The Spanish name remains consistent with the English name, maintaining the reversed spelling of “snake.”
Italian: In Italian, Ekans is known as “Ekans.” Similar to the English and Spanish names, the Italian name retains the reversed spelling of “snake.”
Kenyan (Swahili): In Swahili, the official language of Kenya, Ekans is known as “Nyoka.” The Swahili word “Nyoka” directly translates to “snake.” This name reflects the snake-like characteristics of Ekans.
Chinese (Mandarin): In Mandarin Chinese, Ekans is known as “Yǎn Shé” (厌夜蛇). “Yǎn” (厌) can be translated as “disgust” or “loathe.” “Shé” (蛇) means “snake.”