Poliwag is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is known as the Tadpole Pokémon and is recognizable by the distinctive swirl pattern on its belly. This swirl is actually part of Poliwag's internal organs visible through its thin, transparent skin. Despite the thinness of its skin, it is remarkably flexible and can repel even sharp fangs. Poliwag's newly developed legs are not yet adept at walking, making it more proficient at swimming. The direction of the spiral on its belly can differ depending on the geographical area where it lives, allowing Poliwag enthusiasts to distinguish between populations at a glance.
Pokédex Data
- Height: 0.6 m (2'00")
- Weight: 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs)
- Type: Water
- Abilities: Water Absorb, Damp, Swift Swim (Hidden Ability)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Water 1
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: "Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand."
- Yellow: "The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking."
- Gold: "Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water."
- Sun: "The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it's affected by some disease."
- Ultra Sun: "Despite the danger, it wants to come up on land. So it does its best to waddle along, but when an enemy finds it, it rushes back to the water."
Evolutions
Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25. Poliwhirl can then evolve into either Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock.
Habits
Poliwag prefers to live in freshwater ponds and lakes where it has fewer natural enemies. It feeds on both bug and fish Pokémon, often leaving the water to capture bug Pokémon before returning to consume them safely underwater. The swirl on its belly can be used to induce sleep in observers.
Additions Across Generations
- Generation II introduced Politoed as an alternative evolution for Poliwhirl.
- Generation III expanded on Poliwag's biology, detailing the flexibility and thinness of its skin.
- Generation V changed Poliwag's base Experience yield from 77 to 60, making it the only Pokémon whose base Experience yield matches its National Dex number.
- Generation VII added information about the swirl's color indicating health status.