Gyarados
Gyarados is a powerful Water/Flying-type Pokémon known for its intimidating appearance and destructive capabilities. Evolving from the weak Magikarp, Gyarados is revered for its immense strength and ferocity in battle.
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Gyarados is a large, serpentine Pokémon with a fearsome appearance. One of Gyarados’s most notable features is its immense size. It can grow up to 6.5 meters (21.4 feet) in length, making it one of the largest Pokémon in existence. Its towering presence instills fear in both allies and adversaries alike.
Gyarados possesses a long, serpentine body covered in blue scales, giving it a sleek and formidable appearance. Its body is muscular and streamlined, allowing it to move swiftly through the water. The majority of Gyarados’s body is a deep shade of blue, while its underbelly and the insides of its fins are yellow. This coloration provides camouflage in the water and contrasts sharply with its red eyes, creating a striking visual effect.
Gyarados has a large, dragon-like head with a prominent crest on top. Its mouth is filled with sharp, pointed teeth, indicating its carnivorous nature. Its eyes are a fierce shade of red, further enhancing its intimidating appearance.
Gyarados has two sets of fins: dorsal fins along its back and pectoral fins near its head. These fins help stabilize its movement and provide precise control while swimming. Its tail ends in a large, powerful fin that propels it through the water with great force.
Overall, Gyarados’s physical characteristics combine strength, speed, and intimidation, making it a formidable force both in and out of the water.
Behaviour
Gyarados is known for its aggressive and territorial behavior, which is influenced by its powerful instincts and formidable strength. Here are some key aspects of Gyarados’s behavior.
Gyarados fiercely defends its territory from perceived threats, whether they are other Pokémon or intruding humans. It becomes highly agitated if its territory is encroached upon and will not hesitate to attack intruders. Gyarados is naturally aggressive, especially when provoked or threatened. Its temper can flare up quickly, leading to violent outbursts and destructive behavior. It is not uncommon for Gyarados to lash out with powerful attacks in response to even minor provocations.
As a predatory Pokémon, Gyarados possesses strong hunting instincts. It actively seeks out prey, including smaller Pokémon and aquatic creatures, using its keen senses to detect potential targets. Once it locks onto its prey, Gyarados will pursue it relentlessly until the target is captured or eliminated.
Despite its aggressive nature, Gyarados is also known to undertake long-distance migrations in search of suitable habitats or breeding grounds. During these migrations, Gyarados may travel across vast distances, sometimes encountering obstacles or adversaries along the way.
While Gyarados is typically solitary outside of breeding season, it may form loose associations with other Gyarados or aquatic Pokémon in certain environments. These associations are often temporary and based on mutual benefit, such as sharing hunting grounds or defending against common threats.
During breeding season, Gyarados displays a surprising level of parental care, especially towards its offspring. Both male and female Gyarados actively protect their nests and young, using their intimidating presence to ward off potential predators.
Gyarados is highly adaptable to various aquatic environments, ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to coastal seas and deep ocean waters. It can thrive in both stagnant and flowing water conditions, demonstrating remarkable resilience to environmental changes.
Overall, Gyarados’s behavior is characterized by its fierce territoriality, predatory instincts, and adaptability to different aquatic habitats. Its aggressive nature and formidable strength make it a force to be reckoned with in the wild.
Evolution
The evolution of Gyarados is a notable transformation in the Pokémon world. Here’s a detailed explanation of how Magikarp evolves into Gyarados.
Magikarp is the pre-evolutionary form of Gyarados. It is often regarded as one of the weakest and ”most pathetic” Pokémon due to its lack of offensive capabilities and its reputation for being virtually useless in battle. However, Magikarp possesses the potential for incredible growth and transformation.
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados through leveling up. Specifically, Magikarp evolves into Gyarados starting at level 20 in most Pokémon games. This means that once a Magikarp reaches level 20, it undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis into the powerful and fearsome Gyarados.
The evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados is symbolic of perseverance, determination, and the concept of “diamond in the rough.” Magikarp’s evolution into Gyarados represents a remarkable transformation from a seemingly weak and insignificant creature into a majestic and formidable Pokémon. The evolution process itself is often depicted as a sudden and dramatic change. Magikarp undergoes a physical transformation, growing significantly larger and more imposing in size. Its body shape changes from that of a small, fish-like Pokémon to a fearsome sea serpent with a menacing appearance.
Upon evolving into Gyarados, the Pokémon gains a significant boost in its base stats, particularly in its offensive capabilities and overall strength. Gyarados becomes a formidable force in battle, possessing powerful Water and Flying-type moves that can devastate opponents.
Gyarados is often revered as one of the most iconic and powerful Pokémon due to its evolution from Magikarp. Its evolution serves as a testament to the idea that even the most seemingly insignificant or weak creatures have the potential for greatness under the right circumstances.
Mega Evolution
Gyarados has a Mega Evolution known as Mega Gyarados. When it Mega Evolves, it gains the Dark type in addition to its original Water and Flying types.
Its appearance changes significantly, becoming bulkier and gaining a more menacing appearance with red fins and spikes.
Its Attack and Defense stats are significantly boosted upon Mega Evolution, making it a formidable force in battles.
Mega Gyarados is known for its incredible power and intimidating presence on the battlefield.
Overall, the evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados is a central theme in the Pokémon series, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the realization of hidden potential. It is a pivotal moment in a Trainer’s journey and a testament to the transformative power of evolution in the Pokémon world.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
James’s Gyarados
In “Pokémon Shipwreck” James‘s Magikarp evolves into Gyarados after he kicks it into the water in frustration. It later attacks him with Dragon Rage.
Misty’s Gyarados
In “Cerulean Blues” Misty overcomes her fear of Gyarados to obtain one after passing the PIA test. It can Mega Evolve into Mega Gyarados.
Red Gyarados
The episodes “Talkin’ ‘Bout an Evolution” and “Rage Of Innocence” feature a red Gyarados wreaking havoc until Lance captures it. It later helps stop Groudon and Kyogre’s feud. Returning in “Flash of the Titans” it battles Leon’s Charizard, becoming the first Pokémon in the anime to Dynamax.
Other appearences include episodes:
- “Pokémon Shipwreck” (Four wild Gyarados join James’s Gyarados in unleashing Dragon Rage.)
- “The Pi-Kahuna” (Team Rocket’s Gyarados submarine reveals multiple Gyarados gathering for an annual egg-laying event, coinciding with a tidal wave.)
- “Mewtwo Strikes Back” (Fergus’s Gyarados is cloned by Mewtwo, attacking but later defeated. It reappears in “Mewtwo Returns”.)
- “The Joy of Pokémon” (Gyarados evolves from a giant Magikarp befriended by Nurse Joy, defeating Team Rocket.)
- “The Joy of Water Pokémon” (Gyarados inhabits Lake Lucid, and another is treated by Nurse Joy, later jeopardized by Team Rocket.)
- “The Perfect Match!” (Trinity’s Gyarados battles Misty in the Whirl Cup, defeating Poliwhirl but losing to Corsola. It’s seen in a flashback in “Espeon, Not Included”.)
- “Beauty is Skin Deep” (Clair owns a Gyarados, defeated by Ash‘s Pikachu in “Better Eight Than Never”. It appears in a flashback in the next episode.)
- “Sandshrew’s Locker!” (Gyarados posed a major challenge in retrieving Sandshrew’s Poké Ball.)
- “A Crasher Course in Power!” (Crasher Wake deployed a Gyarados in his Gym battle against Ash, defeated by Pikachu. It reappeared in Mamie’s flashback in “For The Love Of Meowth”.)
- BWS01 (Cilan inadvertently hooked a Gyarados while fishing for Qwilfish. Despite attempting to catch it, its power proved too much, forcing Cilan to abandon the plan.)
- “Coming Apart at the Dreams!” (Lysandre’s Shiny Gyarados, capable of Mega Evolution, battled Ash and Alain, ultimately defeated in the next episode.)
- “This Magik Moment!” (Magikarp actor named Karpy evolved into a Gyarados against its career wishes, going on a rampage until calmed by George Charino, earning a guest role in ”The Refreshing Trio: Alola Idols”.)
- “Ivysaur’s Mysterious Tower!” (Jessie received a Gyarados from the Rocket Prize Master, using it in an attempt to steal Bulbasaur and Ivysaur in Vermilion City.)
- “Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!” (Paul’s Gyarados battled Ash’s Lucario, ultimately defeated.)
Anime Minor Appearances
Gyarados made its debut in “Pokémon – I Choose You!”, appearing as Ash leaped into a river to escape a pursuing flock of Spearow.
Throughout the Pokémon series, Gyarados has made several other notable appearances:
- EP035: Despite the banned status of this episode, it featured a Gyarados.
- ”Lights, Camera, Quack-tion”: A Gyarados was cast for a movie.
- ”Poké Ball Peril”: Another Gyarados sighting.
- ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”: Wild Gyarados make an appearance.
- ”The Wacky Watcher!”: Dr. Quackenpoker observed a Magikarp evolving into a Gyarados.
- ”Pikachu & Pichu”: A Gyarados resided in Big Town.
- ”Celebi: The Voice of the Forest”: Two Gyarados made appearances, one in a lake and another in the opening intro.
- ”Johto Photo Finish”: Gary explained the evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados.
- ”A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!”: Lola owned a Gyarados.
- ”Pokémon Mystery Dungeon”: Gyarados appeared as a thief.
- ”Talking a Good Game!”: Anabel calmed a rampaging Gyarados.
- ”One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!”: A Gyarados was provided to a student for a Pokémon Triathlon.
- ”Mega Evolution Special I”: A Mega Gyarados battled a Mega Abomasnow.
- ”Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel”: Gyarados and its Mega Evolved form appeared.
- ”I Choose You!”: A Gyarados was seen swimming.
- ”Alola, Kanto!”: A wild Gyarados scared Misty, Lillie, and Mallow.
- ”An Adventure of Mega Proportions!”: A Gyarados appeared in the waters around Mega Island.
- ”This Could be the Start of Something Big!”: Another Gyarados sighting.
- ”Distant Blue Sky!”: Ash attempted to catch a Gyarados.
- ”The Same Moon, Now and Forever!”: A Gyarados made an appearance.
Gyarados also appeared in various fantasies:
- ”The Joy of Pokémon”
- ”The Rivalry Revival”
- ”The Fortune Hunters” (in the Fortune Teller book)
- ”A Better Pill to Swallow” (in Brock’s fantasy)
- ”The Legend of Thunder!” (in Marina’s fantasy)
- ”Ya See We Want An Evolution!”
- ”Big Sky, Small Fry!” (Mega Gyarados)
- ”An Adventure of Mega Proportions!”
Multiple Gyarados appeared in the following episodes:
- ”The Power of One” (disturbed by Lawrence III)
- ”The Search for the Legend” (four of them)
- ”When Regions Collide!”(three of them in a fantasy)
A Trainer’s Gyarados appeared in the episodes ”Dueling Heroes” (participated in the Whirl Cup) and ”Battle Royal 151!” (participated in the Battle Royal).
These instances showcase Gyarados’ versatility, strength, and significance in various storylines and battles throughout the Pokémon series.
Manga Appearances
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In this manga, Misty is a proud owner of a Gyarados in The Electric Tale of Pikachu. Gary boasts a Gyarados among his Pokémon, which he utilized alongside others in a battle against a giant Slowpoke in ”Ash vs. Gary”.
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō’s Big Adventure
In the fourth chapter of this manga, JBA4, Team Rocket set their sights on the Red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage.
Pokémon Adventures
In “Gyarados Splashes In!”, Misty’s Gyarados attacks her, but Red intervenes and returns it to her. Later, Misty trades Gyarados to Red for his Krabby, naming it Gyara. Red lends Gyarados to Blue temporarily, and it battles against Entei. Eventually, Blue returns Gyarados to Red before the FireRed and LeafGreen saga.
Later, a Gyarados was spotted with Lance, shielding him from lava using Bubble Beam on Cerise Island. Lance owned it since it was a Magikarp, debuting in ”Extricated from Exeggutor”. At Lake of Rage, multiple Magikarp evolved due to Team Rocket’s radio waves, as seen in ”Raise the Red Gyarados”. Silver caught the Red Gyarados, gaining control over others. In Pokémon Adventures, a Red Gyarados in the Lake of Rage was caught by Silver, capable of controlling other Gyarados. In ”Debonaire Dragonair”, three Gyarados emerged peacefully from water, allowing Clair passage. A Gyarados also appeared in ”The Last Battle XIII”, joining the fight in Ilex Forest.
In “The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon I”, Jack’s Gyarados, Gyaddy, rescued Ruby from a flood in Slateport City. Another Gyarados was seen in a dream in “Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming”. Crasher Wake briefly rode a Gyarados in “A Skuffle with Skorupi”. Cyrus owns a Gyarados, seen in “Shunning Spiritomb”. It appeared in a flashback in “One Way or Another”. Lysandre’s Gyarados debuted in “They Have a Flare for a Li’l Kanga-Napping”, later able to Mega Evolve. Additionally, a Gyarados appeared in a flashback in “Flabébé Blooms” and another one Dynamaxed in PASS41.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
In “Legend? Check! Friends? Check!” a Gyarados appeared in a fantasy. Lance’s red Gyarados featured in “Flash of the Titans!”. Another Gyarados was seen in “Getting More than You Battled For!”.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
Crasher Wake showcased his Gyarados in a Gym battle against Hareta in “Dialga’s Secret Keys”. Cyrus unleashed his Gyarados in “Team Galactic’s Conspiracy, Revealed!!” after his Weavile was weakened, using it to destroy a rope bridge. A Trainer’s Gyarados appeared in a flashback in “Hearts and Spirits Collide”.
Gyarados also made appearences in the following manga:
Movie adaptations – in the second chapter of Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! Remix, ICYR2 (owned by Borosue)
Pocket Monsters DP – in PMDP54.
Pokémon Battle Frontier – in ”Battle Between Student and Master!” (owned by Rald, an experienced young Pokémon Trainer).
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys – in this manga appeared one Gyarados owned by Black, and the other one owned by Trainer in ”Let’s Fight For The Future!!”.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All – in GDZ45 (captured by Shu).
Pokémon Pocket Monsters – in ”Space Havoc!!” (owned by Lance, a Dragon-type Trainer, a member of the Indigo Elite Four and the Pokémon Champion of the Indigo Plateau) and ”Stop the Strange Sonic Sound!!” (Red Gyarados).
Pokémon Zensho – in the second chapter of this manga, PZ03 (owned by Team Rocket Grunt).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Evolve Magikarp |
| Pokémon Yellow | Fuchsia City |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Fuchsia City, Lake of Rage |
| Pokémon Crystal | Fuchsia City, Lake of Rage |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Sootopolis City |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Berry Forest, Bond Bridge, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Cerulean City, Cinnabar Island, Five Island, Five Isle Meadow, Four Island, Fuchsia City, Green Path, Icefall Cave, Kindle Road, Memorial Pillar, One Island, Outcast Island, Pallet Town, Resort Gorgeous, Ruin Valley, Seafoam Islands, Tanoby Ruins, Trainer Tower, Treasure Beach, Vermilion City, Viridian City, Water Labyrinth, Water Path |
| Pokémon Emerald | Sootopolis City |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Routes 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Eterna City, Fuego Ironworks, Great Marsh, Iron Island, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Lake Verity, Mt. Coronet, Oreburgh Gate, Pastoria City, Pokémon League, Ravaged Path, Resort Area, Sendoff Spring, Sunyshore City, Twinleaf Town, Valley Windworks, Victory Road |
| Pokémon Platinum | Routes 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Eterna City, Fuego Ironworks, Great Marsh, Iron Island, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Lake Verity, Mt. Coronet, Oreburgh Gate, Pastoria City, Pokémon League, Ravaged Path, Sendoff Spring, Sunyshore City, Twinleaf Town, Valley Windworks, Victory Road |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Cerulean Cave, Fuchsia City, Lake of Rage, Mt. Silver, Seafoam Islands |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Evolve Magikarp |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Nature Sanctuary, Nature Preserve |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Routes 3 and 22, Parfum Palace, Friend Safari |
| Pokémon Omega Rubya and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Sootopolis City |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Routes 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15, Melemele Sea, Kala'e Bay, Seaward Cave, Paniola Town, Brooklet Hill, Secluded Shore, Tapu Village, Malie Garden, Poni Wilds, Poni Breaker Coast, Poni Gauntlet, Seafolk Village, Poni Meadow, Vast Poni Canyon |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Routes 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15, Melemele Sea, Kala'e Bay, Hau'oli City, Seaward Cave, Paniola Town, Akala Outskirts, Brooklet Hill, Tapu Village, Malie Garden, Ancient Poni Path, Poni Breaker Coast, Poni Gauntlet, Seafolk Village, Poni Meadow, Vast Poni Canyon |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Route 20 |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Route 2, Axew's Eye, Bridge Field, Dusty Bowl, Giant's Cap, Giant's Mirror, Giant's Seat, Lake of Outrage, Honeycalm Island, Honeycalm Sea, Insular Sea, Stepping-Stone Sea, Workout Sea, Giant's Bed, Snowslide Slope, Giant's Foot, Frigid Sea |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Routes 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213, 214, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230, Canalave City, Celestic Town, Eterna City, Fuego Ironworks, Great Marsh, Iron Island, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, Lake Verity, Mt. Coronet, Oreburgh Gate, Pastoria City, Pokémon League, Ravaged Path, Resort Area, Sendoff Spring, Sunyshore City, Twinleaf Town, Valley Windworks, Victory Road |
| Legends Arceus | Obsidian Falls, Lake Verity, Primeval Grotto, Sand's Reach |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Three), East Province (Area One), East Province (Area Two), East Province (Area Three), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Four), South Province (Area Five), South Province (Area Six), West Province (Area One), West Province (Area Two), Glaseado Mountain, North Paldean Sea, East Paldean Sea, South Paldean Sea, West Paldean Sea |
Gyarados's origin name
English: In English, Gyarados’s name is derived from a combination of two words: “gargantuan” and “dread,” emphasizing its enormous size and fearsome reputation. Its name reflects its intimidating appearance and powerful abilities.
Japanese: In Japanese, Gyarados is known as “ギャラドス” (Gyaradosu), which is a combination of “giant” (ギガ, giga) and “dragon” (ドラゴン, doragon). This name highlights its massive size and dragon-like appearance.
Spanish: In Spanish, Gyarados is called “Gyarados,” retaining its English name.
French: In French, Gyarados is known as “Léviator,” derived from the word “Léviathan,” a mythical sea creature, emphasizing its aquatic nature and imposing presence.
German: In German, Gyarados is called “Garados,” similar to its English name but with a slight alteration.
Italian: In Italian, Gyarados is known as “Gyarados,” similar to its English name.
Korean: In Korean, Gyarados is written as “갸라도스” (Gya-radoseu), similar to its Japanese name, emphasizing its gigantic and dragon-like qualities.
Chinese (Simplified): In Simplified Chinese, Gyarados is written as “暴鲤龙” (Bào lǐ lóng), which translates to “Violent Carp Dragon,” reflecting its aggressive nature and serpentine appearance.
Chinese (Traditional): In Traditional Chinese, Gyarados is written similarly to its Simplified Chinese counterpart, as “暴鯉龍” (Bào lǐ lóng).
Overall, Gyarados’s name across different languages emphasizes its imposing size, dragon-like attributes, and reputation as a formidable aquatic Pokémon. Each name captures different aspects of its character and appearance, contributing to its iconic status in the Pokémon world.