Magikarp
Magikarp is a Water-type Pokémon known for its weak appearance and reputation as one of the most pathetic Pokémon. Magikarp is often seen flopping around aimlessly near water bodies, and its main move is Splash, which doesn’t inflict any damage. Despite its seemingly useless nature, Magikarp is highly valued by trainers who recognize its potential to evolve into Gyarados, a fearsome and formidable creature in battles.
| National Pokedex No: 0129 |
| Type: |
| Category: Fish Pokémon |
| Height: 0.9 m (2′11″) |
| Weight : 10.0 kg (22.0 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50% ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities: Swift Swim/Rattled |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Magikarp is a small, fish-like Pokémon that has a sleek and streamlined body shape, resembling that of a fish. Its body is elongated and torpedo-like, allowing it to swiftly navigate through water. The majority of Magikarp’s body is orange, while its underbelly is white. This coloration provides it with some camouflage in different aquatic environments.
Magikarp possesses large, round eyes that are typically wide open. These eyes are usually depicted as expressive and somewhat innocent-looking. Its mouth is large and often agape, giving it a perpetually surprised or hapless expression. Despite its appearance, Magikarp’s mouth is not well-suited for combat or capturing prey.
Magikarp has several fins that aid in its movement and stability while swimming. It has dorsal and pectoral fins, as well as fins on its tail. These fins are typically yellow in color and may have darker markings. Magikarp’s body is covered in overlapping scales, which provide some protection from minor abrasions or predators. However, these scales are not particularly thick or durable.
Magikarp is relatively small compared to many other Pokémon species. It typically measures around 0.9 meters (2 feet, 11 inches) in length and weighs approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Magikarp possess some muscle structure, albeit much weaker compared to other Pokémon. These muscles allow it to propel itself through water, albeit at slow speeds.
Despite its appearance, Magikarp lacks notable physical characteristics or adaptations for combat, making it one of the weakest and most vulnerable Pokémon. However, it compensates for its lack of strength with its ability to rapidly evolve into the powerful Gyarados.
Behaviour
Magikarp is renowned for its docile and unassuming behavior, characterized by its peaceful demeanor and uneventful lifestyle. Here are some key aspects of Magikarp’s behavior.
Magikarp is typically non-aggressive and prefers to avoid confrontation whenever possible. It tends to flee from potential threats rather than engage in combat. Due to its weak swimming abilities and lack of offensive capabilities, Magikarp’s movements are often slow and deliberate. It relies on water currents and its own fins to navigate its surroundings.
In the wild, Magikarp often congregates in large groups known as schools. This behavior offers safety in numbers and increases the chances of survival against predators.
Magikarp primarily inhabits freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. It prefers calm, shallow waters with ample vegetation for shelter and food. Magikarp is an omnivorous Pokémon that feeds on aquatic plants, algae, and small insects. Its diet also includes plankton and other microorganisms present in freshwater ecosystems.
Magikarp’s passive behavior makes it vulnerable to predation by larger aquatic Pokémon and land-dwelling predators. Its inability to defend itself effectively often makes it an easy target for predators. Despite its seemingly helpless nature, Magikarp possesses strong instincts for self-preservation. It can quickly sense danger and will instinctively flee or hide to avoid potential threats.
In some instances, Magikarp demonstrates an impressive ability to leap out of the water, albeit for short distances. This behavior is believed to be a form of communication or a display of vitality. During the breeding season, male Magikarp may engage in competitive displays to attract females. These displays typically involve splashing and jumping, although they are relatively mild compared to other Pokémon species.
Evolution
Magikarp’s evolution is one of the most iconic and dramatic transformations in the Pokémon world. Here’s a detailed overview of the evolution process of Magikarp.
Magikarp is the unevolved form of this Pokémon species. It is often ridiculed for its perceived weakness and limited move pool. Magikarp is a Water-type Pokémon known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by its orange scales, large fins, and whisker-like structures.
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados when it reaches level 20. This process represents a significant milestone in the development of this Pokémon. The evolution from Magikarp to Gyarados is one of the most drastic transformations in the Pokémon world. Magikarp, known for its seemingly weak and ineffectual nature, undergoes a profound metamorphosis into a fearsome and powerful creature.
Upon evolving into Gyarados, Magikarp undergoes significant changes in its appearance, physiology, and abilities. Gyarados gains considerable increases in its base stats, particularly in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. This makes it a formidable force in battles. Gyarados also gains the Flying type in addition to its original Water type, expanding its move pool and providing new strategic options in battles.
The evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados symbolizes the concept of hidden potential and the idea that even the most unassuming creatures can undergo remarkable transformations under the right circumstances. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that true strength often lies beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
Overall, the evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados is a central aspect of its character development and a testament to the transformative power of growth and perseverance in the Pokémon world.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
James’s Magikarp
During the events of “Battle Aboard the St. Anne!”, James acquires a Magikarp from a salesman. However, he soon abandons it due to its perceived uselessness, only for it to evolve into a powerful Gyarados in the subsequent episode.
Magikarp salesman’s Magikarp
In various episodes, notably starting with “Battle Aboard the St. Anne”, a persistent salesman attempts to sell certain Pokémon to James, often Magikarp, under the guise of them being valuable.
Goh’s giant Magikarp
In “A Little Rocket R & R!” Goh captures a massive Magikarp, which later competes in the Magikarp High Jump Competition in “Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!” but doesn’t win.
Other appearences include episodes:
- “The Joy of Pokémon” (A Nurse Joy befriends a colossal Magikarp from her childhood, which evolves into a giant Gyarados but stays friendly.)
- “The Wacky Watcher!” (Quincy T. Quackenpoker studies Magikarp migration and evolution, with Ash assisting.)
- “Mantine Overboard!” (Luka employs three Magikarp for underwater exploration with Ash and Misty.)
- “Ya See We Want An Evolution!” (Oralie boasts about her Magikarp’s strength, proving it in battle against Ash’s Pikachu.)
- “Going for the Gold!” (Shiny Magikarp appears, luring Sharpedo instead of Clemont’s target.)
- “This Magik Moment!” (This episode features Karpy’s evolution into a Gyarados.)
- “Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!” (Magikarpenter’s and Kasukarp’s Magikarp, including a Shiny one named Shinegoldie, compete in a high jump contest.)
Anime Minor Appearances
Magikarp made its first appearance in the Pokémon series in “Pokémon – I Choose You!”, swimming in the river where Ash sought refuge from a flock of Spearow.
In “Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village” Melanie cared for a Magikarp, also appearing in a flashback in “Bulbasaur… the Ambassador!”. In “Hypno’s Naptime” one was at HopHopHop Town’s Pokémon Center. It was seen also in “The Ultimate Test”, “Pikachu’s Vacation” and “The Evolution Solution”. Professor Oak studied one in “Poké Ball Peril”. Cassidy and Butch controlled one in “Pikachu Re-Volts”. A wild Magikarp was in “Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”.
It featured in various episodes, evolving into a Red Gyarados in “Talkin’ ‘Bout an Evolution”. Magikarp appeared in “Johto Photo Finish” and “Journey to the Starting Line” while a shiny one was traded in “Judgment Day!”. It was also part of competitions, depicted in “The Joy of Water Pokémon”, “Dueling Heroes”, and “Arriving in Style!” among others. Magikarp played roles in movies like “Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias” and “Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel”. It made appearances in multiple episodes across different Pokémon series, showcasing its widespread presence in the Pokémon world.
Multiple Magikarp appeared in the following episodes:
- EP035 (banned episode)
- ”Holy Matrimony!” (three of them owned by James‘s parents)
- ”Showdown at the Po-ké Corral” (living at Laboratory of Professor Oak)
- ”The Power of One” (disturbed by Lawrence III)
- ”Love, Totodile Style” (Totodile skillfully juggled three Magikarp using its Water Gun)
- ”Sick Daze” (in Brock’s dream)
- ”Celebi: The Voice of the Forest”
- ”Enlighten Up!” (living in Lake Slowpoke)
- ”Destiny Deoxys”
- ”Giratina and the Sky Warrior”
- ”The Needs of the Three!”
- ”Bucking the Treasure Trend!” (in a flashback)
- ”Zoroark: Master of Illusions” (in the opening sequence)
- ”Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!”
- ”Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction”
- ”Rocking Clawmark Hill!” (three of them seen on the beach near Professor Kukui’s house)
- ”Where Are You Going, Eevee?” – ”Don’t Ignore the Small Stufful!” (four of them seen swimming in the ocean)
- ”I Choose You!”
- ”Alola, Kanto!” (wild)
- ”Legend? Go! Friends? Go!” (four of them)
- ”A Little Rocket R & R!”
- ”The Road Most Traveled!” (three of them)
- ”Bearing Down Easy!”
A Coordinator’s Magikarp appeared in the episodes ”Channeling the Battle Zone!” and ”Once More With Reeling!” (participiated in the Terracotta Contest).
A Trainer’s Magikarp appeared in the following episodes:
- ”A Friend In Deed” (two of them, one owned by a Trainer)
- ”Octillery The Outcast” (battled Misty‘s Poliwhirl)
- ”Day Three Blockbusters!” (two of them, one owned by a Trainer)
- ”Battle Royal 151!” (participated in the Battle Royal)
- ”Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!” (participated in the Magikarp High Jump Competition)
Manga Appearances
Pokémon Adventures
Red, Green & Blue arc – In “What a Dragonite,” multiple Magikarp escaped from a Dragonite.
Yellow arc – In “Sea Sea Seadra”, two Magikarp were residents of a river in Viridian Forest where Yellow was fishing. In “Whacked by Marowak!”, Erika teaches about a Magikarp capable of learning Dragon Rage.
A Trainer’s Magikarp appeared in “Breath of the Dragonair Part 1”, used in a surfing contest until Lance’s intervention. Bill’s Magikarp, featured in “Make Way for Magikarp”, protected Bill from Victreebel’s saliva. Lance’s Magikarp, seen in a flashback in “The Legend” was harmed by human activity and evolved into Gyarados before “Extricated from Exeggutor”.
Gold, Silver & Crystal arc – In “Teddiursa’s Picnic”, a Magikarp emerged from a stolen Poké Ball, later returned to its owner by Wilton.
Magikarp evolved into Gyarados at the Lake of Rage due to Team Rocket’s radio waves in “Raise the Red Gyarados”. In “Slugging It Out with Slugma”, a Magikarp was at Earl’s Pokémon Academy.
Ruby & Sapphire arc – Two Magikarp appeared in Mr. Briney and Team Aqua’s aquariums in “Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! I”.
Emerald arc – A blind boy’s Magikarp, Karpy, debuted in “The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon VI”.
Diamond & Pearl arc – Diamond and Lax disguised themselves as Magikarp in several episodes, including “Tackling Tangrowth”, “Mixing It Up with Machamp” and “Bogging Down Quagsire”.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
A Magikarp was spotted in “In Search of the Legendary Pokémon Dialga!!” and “The Mystery Boy, Jun!!”. In “The Legendary Pokémon, Captured”, several Magikarp were seen. Additionally, a Magikarp appeared in a fantasy sequence in “Look for Giratina!”.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
Chris possesses a team of six Magikarp in this manga. Additionally, a Magikarp was featured in “A Spectacular Battle To Save Ampharos!!” and another one belonging to a Trainer appeared in “Let’s Fight For The Future!!”.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
In this manga a Magikarp showcased the event-exclusive move Dragon Rage in “The Challenge at Celadon University!”. Additionally, Shu captured a Magikarp in GDZ51.
Magikarp also made appearences in the following manga:
How I Became a Pokémon Card – in PW32.
Magical Pokémon Journey – in ”Magikarp Journey”.
Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic – a Magikarp was seen in this manga.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series – in ”Legend? Check! Friends? Check!” (five of them).
Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition ~ Ranse’s Color Picture Scroll ~ – in ”The Yellow Scroll: Hanbei vs Kanbei”.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters – in ”Clefairy’s Under Training!!”.
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire – in ”I Won’t Let You Lead!!” and ”Rare Pokémon!!”.
Pokémon Try Adventure – in this manga a Magikarp owned by Soro was seen.
Pokémon Zensho – in this mnaga Satoshi owns several Magikarp.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Celadon City, Cerulean Cave, Fuchsia City, Pallet Town, Seafoam Islands, Vermilion City, Viridian City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Yellow | Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Celadon City, Cerulean Cave, Fuchsia City, Pallet Town, Seafoam Islands, Vermilion City, Viridian City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Routes 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45, Blackthorn City, Cerulean City, Cherrygrove City, Cianwood City, Cinnabar Island, Dark Cave, Dragon's Den, Ecruteak City, Fuchsia City, Ilex Forest, Lake of Rage, Mt. Mortar, Mt. Silver, New Bark Town, Olivine City, Pallet Town, Ruins of Alph, Slowpoke Well, Union Cave, Vermilion City, Violet City, Viridian City, Whirl Islands |
| Pokémon Crystal | Routes 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45, Blackthorn City, Cerulean City, Cherrygrove City, Cianwood City, Cinnabar Island, Dark Cave, Dragon's Den, Ecruteak City, Fuchsia City, Ilex Forest, Lake of Rage, Mt. Mortar, Mt. Silver, New Bark Town, Olivine City, Pallet Town, Ruins of Alph, Slowpoke Well, Union Cave, Vermilion City, Violet City, Viridian City, Whirl Islands |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Routes 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134, Abandoned Ship, Dewford Town, Ever Grande City, Meteor Falls, Mossdeep City, Pacifidlog Town, Petalburg City, Safari Zone, Seafloor Cavern, Shoal Cave, Slateport City, Sootopolis City, Lilycove City, Victory Road |
| 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, Celadon City, 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, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Emerald | Routes 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134, Abandoned Ship, Dewford Town, Ever Grande City, Meteor Falls, Mossdeep City, Pacifidlog Town, Petalburg City, Safari Zone, Seafloor Cavern, Shoal Cave, Slateport City, Sootopolis City, Lilycove City, Victory Road |
| 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, Resort Area, Sendoff Spring, Sunyshore City, Twinleaf Town, Valley Windworks, Victory Road |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Routes 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 47, Blackthorn City, Cerulean Cave, Cerulean City, Cinnabar Island, Cliff Edge Gate, Dark Cave, Dragon's Den, Ecruteak City, Fuchsia City, Ilex Forest, Lake of Rage, Mt. Moon, Mt. Mortar, Mt. Silver, New Bark Town, Pallet Town, Ruins of Alph, Seafoam Islands, Slowpoke Well, Tohjo Falls, Union Cave, Vermilion City, Violet City, Viridian City, Whirl Islands |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Marvelous Bridge |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Nature Sanctuary, Nature Preserve, Marvelous Bridge |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Routes 3 and 22, Camphrier Town, Parfum Palace, Cyllage City, Ambrette Town, Geosenge Town, Coumarine City, Couriway Town |
| Pokémon Omega Rubya and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Routes 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134, Dewford Town, Ever Grande City, Meteor Falls, Mossdeep City, Pacifidlog Town, Petalburg City, Safari Zone, Scorched Slab, Seafloor Cavern, Sealed Chamber, Shoal Cave, Slateport City, Sootopolis City, Lilycove City, Victory Road, Battle Resort, Sea Mauville, Team Magma/Aqua Hideout |
| 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! | Routes 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Cerulean Cave, Seafoam Islands |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Routes 2, 4, 5 and 6, South Lake Miloch, East Lake Axewell, Slumbering Weald, Motostoke, Axew's Eye, Bridge Field, West Lake Axewell, North Lake Miloch, Challenge Beach, Courageous Cavern, Fields of Honor, Forest of Focus, Honeycalm Island, Honeycalm Sea, Insular Sea, Loop Lagoon, Soothing Wetlands, Stepping-Stone Sea, Training Lowlands, Workout Sea, Giant's Bed, Snowslide Slope, Giant's Foot, Roaring-Sea Caves, Frigid Sea, Ballimere Lake |
| 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, Fabled Spring |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Tagtree Thicket, Asado Desert, Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Two), North Province (Area Three), East Province (Area One), East Province (Area Two), East Province (Area Three), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Two), South Province (Area Four), South Province (Area Five), South Province (Area Six), West Province (Area One), West Province (Area Two), West Province (Area Three), Glaseado Mountain, North Paldean Sea, East Paldean Sea, South Paldean Sea, West Paldean Sea |
Magikarp's origin name
English: In English, the name “Magikarp” is a combination of “magic” and “carp.” This name reflects its seemingly ordinary appearance as a fish Pokémon with limited abilities, akin to a common carp, while also hinting at its potential for magical transformation upon evolution.
Japanese: In Japanese, Magikarp is known as “コイキング” (Koikingu), derived from the words “koi” (鯉), which means “carp,” and “kingu” (キング), which is the English word “king.” The name suggests Magikarp’s association with the common carp and hints at its transformation into a powerful Pokémon.
French: In French, Magikarp is called “Magicarpe,” which closely resembles its English name but is adapted to fit the French language’s phonetic structure.
German: The German name for Magikarp is “Karpador,” which is a portmanteau of “Karpfen,” meaning “carp,” and “tor,” which may be derived from “torpedo” or simply used for its sound.
Spanish: In Spanish, Magikarp is known as “Magikarp,” similar to its English name but adjusted for Spanish pronunciation.
Italian: The Italian name for Magikarp is “Magikarp,” which closely mirrors its English counterpart.
Korean: In Korean, Magikarp is referred to as “잉어킹” (Ing’eoking), derived from the words “잉어” (Ing’eo), meaning “carp,” and “킹” (King), which is the English word “king.”
Chinese: In Chinese, Magikarp’s name is written as “鲤鱼王” (Simplified) and “鯉魚王” (Traditional), both pronounced as “Lǐyúwáng.” This name translates to “carp king” in English, reflecting its association with carp and hinting at its potential evolution into a powerful Pokémon.
These variations in Magikarp’s name across different languages maintain its essence while incorporating linguistic nuances and cultural references relevant to each region.