Poliwag
Poliwag is a Water-type Pokémon known for its tadpole-like appearance. The swirl on its belly is said to represent its internal organs, visible due to its transparent skin. As it evolves, the swirl transforms and becomes more intricate.
| National Pokedex No: 0060 |
| Type: |
| Category: Tadpole Pokémon |
| Height: 0.6 m (2′00″) |
| Weight: 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50% ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:
Water Absorb or Damp/Swift Swim |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Poliwag has a spherical, tadpole-like body with a smooth, blue skin texture. It lacks distinct limbs but has small, flipper-like appendages. Poliwag’s body is predominantly blue, with a lighter shade on its underside. The swirl pattern on its belly is white and contrasts with the blue body.
The most notable feature is that spiral or swirl pattern on its belly. This spiral is a unique identifier for each individual Poliwag. Poliwag’s skin is partially transparent, allowing a glimpse of its internal organs. The swirl is believed to represent these visible organs.
Poliwag has large, round eyes with black pupils. The eyes are positioned on the sides of its head, contributing to a wide field of vision. Its eyes have a cheerful and innocent expression. Poliwag’s mouth is small and located on the underside of its body. It has a simple, smiling appearance. Despite its diminutive size, the mouth gives Poliwag a perpetual smiling expression.
Poliwag has small, flipper-like appendages on its underside. These appendages aid in swimming, reflecting Poliwag’s aquatic nature. Poliwag is relatively small in size, with a height of about 0.6 meters (2 feet) on average.
In terms of physical characteristics, there are no significant differences between male and female Poliwag. Poliwag’s overall design reflects its adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle, with features optimized for swimming and maneuvering in water.
It’s important to note that Poliwag undergoes evolutionary changes as it transforms into Poliwhirl and later into Poliwrath or Politoed, depending on certain conditions. These evolutions bring about additional physical features and alterations to its appearance.
Behaviour
While Pokémon behavior is primarily portrayed in the context of battles and interactions with trainers, certain characteristics can be inferred about Poliwag’s behavior based on its lore and depictions in the Pokémon series.
Poliwag is known to be a Water-type Pokémon, indicating a strong affinity for aquatic environments. Its streamlined, tadpole-like design suggests an adaptation for swimming.
Poliwag often appears with a cheerful and innocent expression, particularly evident in its round eyes and perpetual smile. The swirl on Poliwag’s belly is said to have a hypnotic or enchanting effect, potentially captivating those who gaze into it.
As a pre-evolutionary form, Poliwag is considered a relatively young and energetic Pokémon. While specifics about its social behavior aren’t explicitly detailed, Poliwag is likely to interact with other Pokémon and its environment, especially in aquatic settings.
Poliwag’s evolution into Poliwhirl and further into Poliwrath or Politoed implies a natural progression in its behavior and capabilities.
In battles, Poliwag exhibits the typical behaviors of a Pokémon, using Water-type moves and engaging in strategic combat under the guidance of a trainer. Poliwag, like other Pokémon, may engage in training activities with its trainer, fostering a bond that contributes to its growth and development.
Poliwag’s ability to adapt to both land and water environments is showcased during its evolution, where it gains the ability to survive on land as Poliwhirl and further refines its skills as Poliwrath or Politoed.
It’s important to note that the specifics of a Pokémon’s behavior can vary between individual Pokémon, influenced by factors such as training, experiences, and the guidance of its trainer. Detailed behavioral information might not be explicitly outlined in the Pokémon series, leaving room for interpretation and creativity.
Evolution
The evolution of Poliwag is a multi-stage process that leads to the emergence of different Water-type Pokémon. Here are the details of Poliwag’s evolution.
Poliwag is a tadpole-like Pokémon with a spherical body, flipper-like appendages, and a distinctive swirl pattern on its belly. Its transparent skin allows a glimpse of internal organs, and it has a cheerful expression. Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl starting at level 25.
Poliwhirl undergoes changes, gaining arms with gloved hands and developing a more humanoid appearance. The swirl on its belly becomes more intricate. Poliwhirl is known for its ability to live both in water and on land. Poliwhirl evolves into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or into Politoed when traded while holding a King’s Rock.
Poliwrath takes on a more martial appearance, resembling a humanoid frog or tadpole. It gains increased strength and proficiency in battling, with a focus on Water and Fighting type moves. Poliwrath is known for its formidable martial arts skills.
Trade Evolution with King’s Rock
Poliwhirl evolves into Politoed when traded while holding a King’s Rock. Politoed takes on a more frog-like appearance, with expanded vocal sacs on its cheeks. It gains a more prominent crown on its head. Politoed is associated with rainmaking and is known for its croaking, which is said to influence the weather.
Poliwag provides trainers with the flexibility to choose between Poliwrath and Politoed based on the evolution method employed (Water Stone or trade with King’s Rock).
Poliwag’s evolution reflects the diverse evolutionary possibilities within the Pokémon world, offering trainers the choice to shape their Pokémon’s development based on their preferences and strategies.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Misty’s Poliwag
Misty caught Poliwag during her travels in the Johto region in the episode ”The Stun Spore Detour”. Misty’s Poliwag evolved into Poliwhirl in the episode titled “The Totodile Duel”. Poliwhirl subsequently evolved into Politoed in the episode “Outrageous Fortunes”.
Other appearences include the episode “Gonna Rule The School”, where Max borrowed a Poliwag from the Pokémon Trainers’ School for a battle against Tommy’s Magby. Additionally, in “Like It Or Lup It!” a Poliwag joined forces with a Wooper and a Quagsire, forming a group led by a Golduck.
Anime Minor Appearances
Poliwag appeares in various episodes. Poliwag made its debut in the episode “Primeape Goes Bananas” and has appeared in various episodes throughout the Pokémon series. It played roles in events such as a fantasy in the banned episode ”EP035”, being part of a Pokémon Theme Park in “Pikachu’s Vacation”, and a Poliwag participating in a Pokémon Orienteering competition caught by Goh in “Dreams Are Made of These!”.
In the episode “A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!” Flint disclosed that Lola’s Poliwag, with its precise Hydro Pump, was the reason he fell in love with her. Additionally, Poliwag has been seen in battles, encounters with Team Rocket, and various locations, showcasing its diverse appearances in the Pokémon world.
Multiple Poliwag appeared in the episodes:
- ”Showdown at the Po-ké Corral” (living at the laboratory of Professor Oak)
- ”The Power of One” (disturbed by Lawrence III)
- ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure” (wild ones)
- ”Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias”
- ”Coming Full-Festival Circle!” (seen listening Nando, a wandering minstrel playing music)
- ”Enter Pikachu!”
- ”Scizor Defends” (residents of the Pokémon Village)
- ”Legend? Go! Friends? Go!” (five of them)
- ”Caring for a Mystery!” (five of them participated in a battle against wild Riolu)
- ”Distant Blue Sky!” (five of them)
- ”The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!” (four of them)
A Coordinator’s Poliwag appeared also in the epsodes ”The Saffron Con”, ”Harley Rides Again” and ”Once More With Reeling!” (participated in the Terracotta Contest).
A Trainer’s Poliwag appeared also in the following epsodes:
- ”The Joy of Pokémon” (taken care of by Nurse Joy)
- ”Octillery The Outcast” (participated in the Whirl Cup)
- ”Dueling Heroes” (participated in the Whirl Cup)
- ”Adventures in Running Errands!”
- ”A League of His Own!”
- ”Rocking Kalos Defenses!”
- ”Alola to New Adventure!” (on of two of them owned by Trainer)
- ”Tough Guy Trials!”
- ”A Young Royal Flame Ignites!”
- ”The Power of Us” (multiple)
- ”League Offenders and Defenders!”
- ”Z-Move Showdown!”
- ”Exhibition Unmasked!”
- ”From Z to Shining Z!” (watched the battle between Pikachu owned by Ash and Tapu Koko)
- ”A Festival Reunion!”
- ”Toughing It Out!”
- ”Trade, Borrow, and Steal!” (Two Trainers’ Poliwag)
- ”Getting More Than You Battled For!
- ”Secrets of the Jungle”
- ”Memories of a Warming Kindness!”
- ”On Land, In the Sea, and to the Future!” (participated in the Kids Marine Athletic Race)
- ”Take My Thief! Please!”
- HZ039
Manga Appearances
Ash & Pikachu
In the episode ”Do Your Best Bulbasaur!!”, a Poliwag was seen at the laboratory of Professor Oak.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In the episode “Clefairy Tale,” Misty is depicted with a Poliwag, which subsequently undergoes evolution to become a Poliwhirl.
Pokémon Adventures
In the episode “Bulbasaur, Come Home!”, a Poliwag escapes from Professor Oak’s Laboratory. In “Danger: High Voltorb,” a flashback reveals Red’s Poliwhirl, nicknamed Poli, once started as a Poliwag and has since evolved into Poliwrath.
Gold owns a Poliwag in “Murkrow Row,” lost and later retrieved, evolving into Poliwhirl and then Politoed through a trade. In “Slugging It Out With Slugma,” a Poliwag is seen at Earl’s Pokémon Academy.
Multiple Poliwag inhabit the Pokémon Village in “Scizor Defends,” with one appearing in “Charizard Transforms.” Poliwag also makes appearances in “Malamar Traps,” “Chesnaught Protects,” and a flashback in the same episode, as well as “True Identity and the Totem Pokémon of Brooklet Hill.”
Poliwag also appeares in the following Pokémon manga:
Magical Pokémon Journey – in the episode ”How Do You Do, Pikachu?”.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series – in the episode ”Caring for a Mystery!”.
Pocket Monsters HGSS– the first chapter of the Pocket Monsters HGSS, PMHGSS01.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys – in the episode ”Let’s Fight For The Future!!” (owned by Trainer).
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All – in the episode ”Catch the Poliwag!” (Shu captured it) and GDZ23.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters– in the episodes ” Demanding Tests at the Pokémon School!” and ”Something Happened!! Let’s Go After Pikachu!!” (owned by Ruby).
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire– in the episode ”Something Happened!! Let’s Go After Pikachu!!” (Ruby holds her Poliwag in her house).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Routes 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 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, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35 and 44, Blackthorn City, Ecruteak City, Ilex Forest, Mt. Silver, Ruins of Alph, Violet City, Viridian City |
| Pokémon Crystal | Routes 6, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35 and 44, Blackthorn City, Ecruteak City, Ilex Forest, Mt. Silver, Ruins of Alph, Violet City, Viridian City |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Routes 6, 22, 23 and 25, Berry Forest, Cape Brink, Cerulean Cave, Four Island, Fuchsia City, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley, Viridian City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Routes 225, 227 and 228 |
| Pokémon Platinum | Routes 227 and 228 |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Routes 6, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, 44 and 45, Blackthorn City, Cerulean Cave, Cliff Edge Gate, Ecruteak City, Ilex Forest, Mt. Moon, Mt. Silver, Ruins of Alph, Violet City, Viridian City |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Route 6, Giant Chasm, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Routes 6, 19, 20 and 23, Giant Chasm, Lostlorn Forest, Wellspring Cave, Victory Road, Floccesy Ranch, Clay Tunnel, Relic Passage |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Routes 14, 15, 16, 19 and 21, Laverre City, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Pokémon Village, Victory Road |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden, Poké Pelago |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Brooklet Hill |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Routes 22, 23 and 25, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Brawlers' Cave |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Route 225, 227, 228, Grassland Cave, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern, Sunlit Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Poliwag's origin name
Poliwag’s name originates from a combination of its tadpole-like appearance and its affiliation with water.
English: The English name “Poliwag” is a combination of “Poli,” derived from “poly,” meaning many or multiple (referring to the swirl pattern on its belly), and “wag,” representing its tadpole-like form.
Japanese (ニョロモ Nyoromo): The Japanese name “Nyoromo” is a combination of “nyoro-nyoro,” an onomatopoeic term for something slithering or squirming, and “tadpole” (also expressed in the “mo” part of the name).
French: In French, Poliwag is known as “Ptitard,” a fusion of “petit” (small) and “têtard” (tadpole).
German: The German name for Poliwag is “Quapsel,” likely derived from “quaken” (to croak) and “Kaulquappe” (tadpole).
Spanish: In Spanish, Poliwag is called “Poliwag,” maintaining the English name without significant alterations.
Italian: The Italian name for Poliwag is “Poliwag,” closely resembling the English name.
Korean (발챙이 Balchaengi): The Korean name “Balchaengi” is a combination of “bal” (foot) and “tadpole,” emphasizing the creature’s foot-like appendages.
Chinese (阿紐 Àniǔ): In Mandarin Chinese, Poliwag is known as “Àniǔ,” with “À” representing a transliteration and “niǔ” meaning tadpole.