Kingler

Kingler is a Water-type Pokémon and the evolved form of Krabby. Known for its large pincer claws, Kingler is a formidable and powerful Pokémon. It is often associated with coastal areas and is known for its strength in battles, particularly with its signature move, Crabhammer.

Kingler Pokémon with large claw raised in a forest pool
National Pokedex No: 0099
Type:
Category: Pincer Pokémon
Height: 1.3 m (4′03″)
Weight : 60.0 kg (132.3 lbs)
Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀
Abilities/Hidden abilities:
Hyper Cutter or Shell Armor/Sheer Force

Biology

Physical Characteristics

Kingler, as a Water-type Pokémon, has distinct physical characteristics. It is a large Pokémon, and its size contributes to its intimidating presence. The proportions of its body, including the size of its pincers relative to the rest of its body, showcase its strength.

 

Kingler’s exoskeleton is composed of a tough, chitinous material that provides excellent protection. The exoskeleton is segmented, allowing flexibility in movement while maintaining durability. The orange hue of Kingler’s exoskeleton may vary in shade, and it often has darker markings or patterns. These markings can include patterns resembling ocean waves or other natural elements.

 

The large, powerful pincers are a defining feature, and they can crush hard objects with ease. The inner edges of the pincers may have serrated or jagged surfaces, enhancing their gripping capabilities.

 

Kingler’s eyes are mounted on stalks, allowing them to move independently and providing a heightened field of vision. The eyes may have adaptations for seeing in various light conditions, including underwater. Eight walking legs support Kingler, each equipped with sharp claws for traction on different surfaces. The legs are jointed, facilitating agile movement both in and out of the water.

 

Kingler posseses a Gigantmax form. Gigantamax Kingler sports an enlarged, spikier form with distinctive features. Its left pincer is significantly larger, capable of destroying anything it strikes. The foaming bubbles it releases have a potent alkaline effect, causing rapid dissolution upon contact. Gigantamax Kingler uniquely wields the G-Max Move G-Max Foam Burst.

 

Understanding these detailed physical characteristics provides a comprehensive picture of Kingler’s adaptation to its aquatic habitat and its prowess in battles.

Behaviour

Kingler’s behavior encompasses various aspects that showcase its adaptation to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Here are detailed insights into the behavior of Kingler.

 

Kingler is known to be territorial, especially during its breeding season. It may fiercely defend its nesting or dwelling areas. Kingler employs its powerful pincers for hunting and foraging. It can crush the shells of prey with ease and consume a variety of aquatic creatures. When threatened, Kingler displays aggressive behavior. It uses its sharp claws to fend off predators and competitors, making it a formidable opponent.

 

While Kingler primarily resides in the ocean, it is also capable of surviving in freshwater environments. It often ventures into rivers and lakes.

 

During the breeding season, Kingler engages in elaborate mating rituals. Male Kinglers may compete for the attention of females through displays of strength and dominance. Some Kinglers are known to migrate across bodies of water in search of ideal breeding or feeding grounds. This behavior is often influenced by seasonal changes.

 

Kingler is known to be active during both day and night. Its nocturnal activities may involve hunting for prey that is more active during nighttime.

 

While Kingler is often portrayed as a solitary Pokémon, there may be instances where it interacts with other members of its species, especially during the breeding season. In regions where humans reside, Kingler may display adaptive behavior, either avoiding or interacting with humans based on its previous experiences.

 

Understanding Kingler’s behavior provides valuable insights into its ecological role, survival strategies, and interactions with other Pokémon and its environment.

Evolution

Kingler evolves from Krabby when it reaches level 28. The evolutionary process from Krabby to Kingler involves several notable changes in physical appearance and attributes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Kingler’s evolution.

Krabby Pokémon snapping claws near a forest creek
Krabby
(Unevolved)
Kingler Pokémon with large claw raised in a forest pool
Kingler
(First Evolution)

Krabby evolves into Kingler at level 28. This signifies a critical stage in Krabby’s development, leading to a more advanced and powerful form. The evolution results in significant physical changes. Kingler grows larger and more imposing than its pre-evolutionary form, with its overall body structure becoming bulkier.

 

One of the most noticeable changes is the development of Kingler’s pincers. These large and powerful claws are iconic features of Kingler and play a crucial role in its hunting and defense mechanisms.

 

As Kingler evolves, its overall strength and defensive capabilities improve. The larger pincers not only serve as formidable weapons but also provide enhanced protection against potential threats. Kingler’s evolution enhances its adaptability to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. While it primarily resides in the ocean, it can also navigate freshwater environments with ease.

 

Evolution often brings about changes in behavior. Kingler may exhibit more assertive and dominant behavior compared to its pre-evolutionary stage, especially during territorial disputes or mating rituals.

 

With evolution, Kingler gains access to a broader movepool. It can learn a variety of Water-type and other powerful moves, expanding its range of abilities in battles. Evolution typically results in an increase in base stat levels. Kingler’s evolution leads to improvements in key stats such as Attack, Defense, and HP, making it a more formidable Pokémon in battles.

Gigantamax Kingler

Gigantamax Kingler is a variant form of Kingler that appears in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

 

When it Gigantamaxes, its size increases significantly, and its claws become larger and more prominent, resembling a large hammer. It gains additional spikes on its head and a shell that resembles a throne, giving it a more regal appearance.

 

Gigantamax Kingler also has access to the exclusive G-Max move, G-Max Foam Burst, which deals damage and removes any effects of the opponent’s abilities that prevent the use of moves or switching out.

Gigantamax Kingler Pokémon with a unique shell pattern in a coastal forest

Understanding Kingler’s evolution provides trainers with valuable insights into the progression of this Pokémon’s life cycle, enhancing their strategies in training and battles.

Appearances

Anime Main Appearances

Ash’s Kingler

 

During Ash‘s initial battle in the Indigo Plateau Conference, his Krabby underwent evolution, emerging as a Kingler in the episode ”Round One – Begin!”.

 

Other appearences include the episodes ”The Battle of the Badge” (Giovanni utilized a Kingler against Gary’s Arcanine in a Gym battle, but it was defeated. Later, he lent it to Team Rocket for Viridian Gym duty.), ”Expedition to Onix Island!” (One Kingler encountered issues with Oshawott and Piplup on a deserted island.) and ”The Cuteness Quotient!” (This episode featured James obtaining a Kingler from the Rocket Prize Master for Team Rocket’s Friendship Festival heist.)

Anime Minor Appearances

Kingler first appeared in “Showdown at Dark City” as one of the Pokémon belonging to the Kaz Gym.

 

Kingler also was involved in various events and episodes:

 

  • Battled in the Queen of the Princess Festival in “Princess vs. Princess”.
  • Seen at the Pokémon Theme Park in “Pikachu’s Vacation”.
  • Controlled by Cassidy and Butch in “Pikachu Re-Volts” at Mandarin Island North.
  • Appeared in Marina’s fantasy in “Bye Bye Psyduck”.
  • Participated in a Pokémon breeding competition in “Beauty and the Breeder”.
  • Resided at Temacu’s father’s lab in “The Heartbreak of Brock”.
  • Inhabited a lake near the Pokémon Summer Academy in “Up Close and Personable!”.
  • Featured in “Legend? Go! Friends? Go!” and “The Cuteness Quotient”.
  • Attacked Goh in a swamp on Cero Island in “Getting More Than You Battled For!”.

Multiple Kingler appeared in the episodes ”The Power of One” (disturbed by Lawrence III), ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventureand” (wild ones) and ”Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea” (participated in the ultimate confrontation with The Phantom and his crew).

 

A Trainer’s Kingler also in the epsodes:

 

  • ”Mewtwo Strikes Back” (defeated by Mewtwo)
  • ”The Joy of Pokémon” (taken care of by Nurce Joy)
  • ”Octillery The Outcast” (participated in the Whirl Cup)
  • ”Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution” (travelled to New Island)
  • ”This Could be the Start of Something Big!”

Manga Appearances

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

 

Ash caught a Kingler off-screen, first revealed in battle at the Indigo League where it defeated a Trainer, evolving from a Krabby in the process.

 

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

 

In this manga one Kingler was seen in the ”Getting More than You Battled For!”.

 

Pokémon Adventures

 

In Pokémon Adventures, multiple Team Rocket Grunts own Kingler. In a flashback during Giovanni’s speech about experimented Pokémon on the S.S. Anne, one is under Harry’s ownership in “Long Live the Nidoqueen!?”.

 

In ”The Last Battle XIII”, a Kingler participated in the Ilex Forest fight. In ”My, My, My Mimic”, Carr attempted to catch a Kingler to ambush Red and Blue, but it was frozen and defeated by Lorelei. Later, in PASS41, a Gigantamaxed Kingler suddenly appeared, joining other Pokémon in Gigantamaxing

 

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

 

In ”Great Success in the Mountains or the Seas!?”, Clefairy hooked a Kingler. Another, owned by Lt. Surge, also appeared in that episode.

 

Red acquired a Kingler in ”Regain the Deserted Power Plant!”. One Kingler  madean  appearance in ”Which One is the Real Clefairy!?” and another one participated in a baseball match in ”Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!”.

Game data

Stats

Health Points 55%
Attack 100%
Defense 100%
Special Attack 50%
Special Defense 50%
Speed 75%

Location

Game versionLocation
Pokémon RedRoute 23, Cerulean Cave
Pokémon BlueRoute 23, Cerulean Cave, Seafoam Islands
Pokémon YellowRoutes 10 and 25, Seafoam Islands
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon SilverRoutes 19, 34, and 40, Olivine City, Whirl Islands, Cianwood City, Cerulean City and Gym, Cherrygrove City, Union Cave
Pokémon CrystalRoutes 19, 34, and 40, Olivine City, Whirl Islands, Cianwood City, Cerulean City, Cherrygrove City, Union Cave
Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon SapphireTrade
Pokémon FireRedEvolve Krabby
Pokémon LeafGreenRoutes 19, 20, and 21, Kindle Road, Treasure Beach, Bond Bridge, Resort Gorgeous, Water Labyrinth, Five Isle Meadow, Memorial Pillar, Green Path, Water Path, Outcast Island, Trainer Tower, Tanoby Ruins, One Island, Five Island, Icefall Cave, Pallet Town
Pokémon EmeraldTrade
Pokémon ColosseumTrade
Pokémon XDTrade
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon PearlEvolve Krabby
Pokémon PlatinumEvolve Krabby
Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilverRoute 19, Cliff Cave, Seafoam Islands, Whirl Islands
Pokémon Black and Pokémon WhiteRoutes 4, 13, Driftveil City
Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2Route 18, Virbank City, Virbank Complex
Pokémon X and Pokémon YEvolve Krabby
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha SapphireEvolve Krabby
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon MoonPokémon Bank
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra MoonPokémon Bank
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!Routes 12 and 13
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon ShieldRoute 9, Axew's Eye
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining PearlEvolve Krabby
Legends ArceusUnobtainable
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon VioletUnobtainable

Kingler's origin name

Kingler’s name in various languages reflects its crab-like appearance and the formidable nature of its evolved form.

 

English: The English name “Kingler” is a combination of “king” and “crab.” This name emphasizes the regal or dominant aspect of Kingler, possibly referencing its evolved and more imposing form.

 

Japanese: The Japanese name for Kingler is “Kingurā” (キングラー). It closely resembles the English name but is adapted to Japanese phonetics.

 

French: In French, Kingler is known as “Krabboss.” This name combines “krabbe” (crab) with the suffix “-boss,” suggesting a boss-like or commanding presence.

 

German: The German name for Kingler is “Kingler.” The name remains similar to the English version, maintaining the emphasis on the creature’s regal qualities.

 

Spanish: In Spanish, Kingler is referred to as “Kingler.” The Spanish name is consistent with the English version, maintaining the association with royalty.

 

Italian: The Italian name for Kingler is “Kingler.” Similar to other European languages, the Italian version preserves the name’s emphasis on the creature’s regal characteristics.

 

Korean: In Korean, Kingler is written as “킹크랩” (Kingkeuraeb), which phonetically aligns with the English name while incorporating Korean script.

 

Chinese (Simplified): Kingler is known as “巨钳螳螂” (Jùqiántángláng) in Simplified Chinese. Here, “巨钳” (Jùqián) means “giant claws,” and “螳螂” (Tángláng) means “mantis.” This name emphasizes the Pokémon’s formidable claws.

 

Chinese (Traditional): In Traditional Chinese, Kingler is referred to as “巨鉗螳螂” (Jùqiántángláng). Similar to the Simplified Chinese version, it combines “巨鉗” (Jùqián) meaning “giant claws” with “螳螂” (Tángláng) meaning “mantis”.