Rhyhorn
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Rhyhorn is a robust and quadrupedal Pokémon with distinct physical characteristics.
Rhyhorn has a rhinoceros-like appearance with a sturdy and armored body. Its body is covered in tough, rocky hide that acts as natural armor. Rhyhorn’s rocky hide isn’t just for show; it provides exceptional protection against physical attacks. The surface of its skin may display various textures, contributing to its defensive capabilities.
Prominent on its nose is a large, drill-like horn, which is its main feature. The horn is incredibly strong and can be used for various purposes, including charging at opponents. Rhyhorn possesses distinct facial features, including expressive eyes and nostrils. The arrangement of these features may reflect aspects of its behavior and emotions.
Examining its legs reveals powerful musculature, emphasizing its strength and ability to carry its substantial weight. The claws on its feet are likely adapted for both stability and offensive maneuvers. While Rhyhorn’s tail is short, its design may serve specific purposes, such as maintaining balance during rapid movements.
Rhyhorn is relatively large and solid, showcasing its physical strength and durability. Individual Rhyhorn may exhibit slight variations in size, with factors like age and environmental conditions influencing these differences.
These physical traits collectively make Rhyhorn a formidable and resilient Pokémon in both appearance and battle capabilities.
Behaviour
Rhyhorn’s behavior is influenced by its dual nature as both a Ground and Rock-type Pokémon. Here are detailed aspects of its behavior.
Rhyhorn is known for its territorial nature, often marking its territory with the drills on its nose. In the wild, encounters with other Rhyhorn or Pokémon may lead to displays of dominance. Despite its robust exterior, Rhyhorn may exhibit protective behaviors, especially towards its young (Rhyhorn or Rhydon offspring). In the presence of perceived threats, it might adopt defensive postures to shield itself or its companions.
Rhyhorn populations may engage in seasonal migrations, influenced by factors like climate changes or resource availability. The migratory behavior may lead to temporary gatherings of Rhyhorn in specific regions.
Rhyhorn is herbivorous, primarily feeding on plants and vegetation. Its behavior includes foraging for food in rocky terrain, using its strong horn to break through tough surfaces to access nutritious plants.
While generally solitary, Rhyhorn may form loose social groups, particularly during mating seasons or in areas with abundant resources. Interactions within these groups could involve displays of strength and dominance. Rhyhorn communicates using a variety of vocalizations, ranging from grunts to more expressive sounds. The horn on its nose might also serve as a visual signal, displaying dominance or submission through specific movements.
In the Pokémon training world, Rhyhorn can be trained to follow specific commands, showcasing adaptability and an ability to form bonds with trainers. Understanding these behavioral aspects helps trainers and researchers comprehend Rhyhorn’s ecology and adapt their approaches when interacting with or studying this Pokémon.
Evolution
Rhyhorn undergoes a two-stage evolutionary line, evolving into Rhydon and later having the option to further evolve into Rhyperior. Here are detailed aspects of its evolution.
Rhyhorn evolves into Rhydon starting at level 42. The evolution results in significant physical transformations. Rhydon is larger, bulkier, and gains a more prominent horn on its nose. Rhydon’s stats, including its Attack and Defense, typically see substantial improvements upon evolution.Evolution often grants access to a broader range of moves, allowing Rhydon to learn more powerful or diverse attacks.
Rhydon can evolve into Rhyperior when traded holding a Protector. The Protector is an item introduced to facilitate certain trade evolutions. The process involves trading Rhydon, and upon completion of the trade, it evolves into Rhyperior. Rhyperior’s signature move, Rock Wrecker, is often learned upon evolution. This powerful Rock-type move showcases Rhyperior’s enhanced strength.
Rhyperior becomes a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon, providing a broader array of resistances and weaknesses. It gains a distinctive appearance with rock-like armor covering parts of its body, contributing to increased defensive capabilities. Evolution into Rhyperior signifies a further boost in offensive and defensive capabilities, making it a formidable force in battles.
Understanding the evolutionary progression of Rhyhorn into Rhydon and then potentially into Rhyperior provides trainers with insights into the Pokémon’s growth and development. It also underscores the significance of strategic training and evolution in maximizing a Rhyhorn’s potential in battles.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
In ”Bulbasaur’s Mysterious Garden”, a Hiker’s Rhyhorn lost to Ash‘s Bulbasaur. In ”Mewtwo Strikes Back”, Corey’s Rhyhorn was cloned, later breeding with a Nidoqueen clone. In the Pinkan Island episode (”In the Pink”), a pink Rhyhorn encountered by Ash and friends initially clashed with them but was eventually saved from a cliff fall by Togepi’s Teleport, with Ash and friends aiding its rescue with Officer Jenny’s assistance.
In ”Odd Pokémon Out!”, Rhyhorn on Camomile Island misunderstood Ash’s Donphan’s intentions, prompting a playful clash. Grace’s retired Rhyhorn, introduced in Kalos, ”Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!”, became Serena’s pet and was featured in XY series. In ”Giving Chase at the Rhyhorn Race!”, Team Rocket targeted racing Rhyhorn, but Ash and friends intervened.
”Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction” showcased Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Diancie utilizing a Rhyhorn to escape Merilyn and Riot, returning it to the racing track afterward. ”A Race for Home!” featured Serena chasing Team Rocket on a hijacked Rhyhorn. In ”Master Class Choices!”, multiple Rhyhorn were involved in the Theme Performance at the Fleurrh City Pokémon Showcase, with Serena successfully attracting them.
Anime Minor Appearances
In ”The Flame Pokémon-athon!”, numerous Rhyhorn were present at Laramie Ranch. One of them joined the Big P Pokémon Race, but its attempt ended when both it and its trainer sank due to Rhyhorn’s weight, leading to their elimination.
In the banned episode EP035, Ash tried to catch a Rhyhorn in the Safari Zone, but it escaped. Another Rhyhorn was featured in a flashback in the same episode. In ”A Chansey Operation”, an injured Rhyhorn was treated at the clinic. ”The Power of One” highlighted a Rhyhorn sensing a disturbance caused by Lawrence III.
Other appearances include ”Tricks of the Trade”, ”The Legend of Thunder!”, ”Johto Photo Finish”, ”Beg, Burrow and Steal”, ”Numero Uno Articuno”, ”Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 2)”, ”Camping It Up!”, ”Giratina and the Sky Warrior”, ”Zoroark: Master of Illusions”, ”I Choose You!”, and ”This Could be the Start of Something Big!”.
Multiple Rhyhorn appeared in the following episodes:
- ”Showdown at the Po-ké Corral” (living at the Laboratory of Professor Oak), ”A Tent Situation” and ”The Rivalry Revival” (reapperaed)
- ”Celebi: The Voice of the Forest and Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias”
- ”Destiny Deoxys”
- ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”
- ”A Showcase Debut!” (in a flashback)
- ”Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part 1)” (captured by the Pokémon Pinchers)
- ”Legend? Go! Friends? Go!” (three of them)
A Coordinator’s Rhyhorn appeared in the episodes ”Harley Rides Again” and ”May, We Harley Drew’d Ya!”.
Manga Appearances
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
Rhyhorn owned by Drake, the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader of the Orange League, made a brief appearance in a flashback in this manga, and its current status remains unknown.
Movie adaptations
A Rhyhorn made an appearance in “Celebi: a Timeless Encounter” within a Pokémon hunter’s camp.
Pocket Monsters HGSS
In this manga a Rhyhorn was seen in the fourth chapter, PMHGSS04, and another one in the eleventh chapter of this manga, PMHGSS11.
Pokémon Adventures
In “Raging Rhydon” Koga’s Rhyhorn debuts and, following defeat by Red’s Pikachu, undergoes an evolution through a mysterious injection, gaining increased power and knocking out Misty.
In “Long Live the Nidoqueen!”, Giovanni’s Rhyhorn is a key fighter, defeating Red’s Aerodactyl. It later participates in a battle against Lance, generating a sandstorm. In “The Last Battle XIII”, it’s sent to fight in Ilex Forest. Emerald uses a rental Rhyhorn in the Battle Factory challenge.
Y’s Rhyhorn, initially owned by Grace, debuts in “An X-cuse to Come Out and Play”, becoming a permanent team member. Multiple Rhyhorn feature in “Shooting Frogadier” and a Rhyhorn racer’s Pokémon appears in “Gathering Klefki”.
Pokémon Zensho
Shigeru, the rival of Satoshi, an the Professor Oak’s grandson, captured a Rhyhorn in the Safari Zone.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Yellow | Safari Zone, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Victory Road |
| Pokémon Crystal | Victory Road |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Emerald | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 227, Stark Mountain |
| Pokémon Platinum | Routes 214 and 227, Victory Road, Stark Mountain |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Diglett's Cave, Victory Road |
| Pokémon Black | Trade |
| Pokémon White | White Forest |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Nimbasa City (Trade) |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Glittering Cave |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Blush Mountain |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Blush Mountain |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Rock Tunnel, Victory Road, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Route 8, Bridge Field, Giant's Cap, Giant's Mirror, Motostoke Riverbank, Stony Wilderness, Rolling Fields |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Route 227, Stark Mountain, Spacious Cave, Rocky Cave, Sandsear Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Big Bluff Cavern, Typhlo Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Bolderoll Slope, Celestica Trail, Diamond Heath, Sacred Plaza, Shrouded Ruins |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Rhyhorn's origin name
Rhyhorn’s name is derived from a combination of its physical attributes and characteristics.
English: Rhyhorn – A fusion of “Rhy” from “Rhinoceros” and “Horn,” emphasizing the Pokémon’s rhinoceros-like appearance and the prominent horn on its nose.
Japanese: Sihorn (サイホーン) – Combining “Sai” (rhinoceros) and “Horn.”
German: Rihorn – Similar to the English name, combining “Rhi” from “Rhinoceros” and “Horn.”
French: Rhinocorne – A direct translation, combining “Rhinocéros” (rhinoceros) and “Corne” (horn).
Spanish: Rhyhorn – The English name is retained in the Spanish version.
Italian: Rhyhorn – Similar to English, the Italian version maintains the name “Rhyhorn.”
Korean: Rairon (라이론) – Adaptation of the Japanese name “Sihorn”.
Chinese (Simplified): Hǎirénjī (海瑞辉) – Transliteration of the Japanese name “Sihorn”.
Chinese (Traditional): Hǎiruìhuī (海瑞辉) – Traditional Chinese transliteration of the Japanese name “Sihorn”.
Understanding the etymology of Rhyhorn’s name across languages provides insight into the thematic elements that influenced its naming. The emphasis on its rhinoceros-like features and the presence of a distinctive horn is consistent across different language versions.