Kabutops is a dual-type Rock/Water Fossil Pokémon introduced in Generation I. This prehistoric arthropod Pokémon has a skeletal, well-armored build with a flat, half-circular head and two small eyes on the front. Its most distinctive features are the large, sharp, gray scythes in place of hands, which it uses to slash prey and drain their bodily fluids. Kabutops is mostly brown in color, with a light gray chest and abdomen.
Before its extinction, Kabutops was in the process of evolving from a water-dweller to a land-dweller, as evident from changes in its gills and legs. This adaptation was likely due to its prey moving onto land. In its ocean habitat, Kabutops could swim extremely fast, reaching speeds of up to 29 knots, by tucking up its limbs. It was an aggressive predator that inhabited warm seas, using its sleek shape for efficient swimming and its scythe-like arms for hunting.
Interestingly, Kabutops molts every three days, with each molt making its shell harder. Any leftovers from Kabutops' meals were consumed by other Pokémon, making it an important part of the prehistoric ecosystem. The exact cause of Kabutops' extinction remains unknown.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Shellfish Pokémon
- Height: 1.3 m (4'03")
- Weight: 40.5 kg (89.3 lbs)
- Abilities: Swift Swim, Battle Armor (Hidden Ability: Weak Armor)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Water 1, Water 3
- Gender Ratio: 87.5% male, 12.5% female
- Egg Cycles: 30 (7,454–7,710 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Ruby/Sapphire: "Kabutops swam underwater to hunt for its prey in ancient times. The Pokémon was apparently evolving from being a water-dweller to living on land as evident from the beginnings of change in its gills and legs."
- FireRed: "It swims freely through water. It catches prey with its scythe-like arms and drains the victim's fluids."
- LeafGreen: "Its sleek shape is perfect for swimming. It slashes prey with its claws and drains their fluids."
Evolutions
Kabutops evolves from Kabuto starting at level 40.
Habits and Adaptations Across Generations
In Generation 1, Kabutops had a base Special stat of 70. Its base experience yield has changed over generations, from 201 in Generations 1-3 to 199 in Generation 4. In Generations 2-7, Kabutops' base Friendship value was increased to 70.