Poliwhirl is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is the evolved form of Poliwag and can further evolve into either Poliwrath or Politoed. This amphibious Pokémon has a spherical blue body with a white belly featuring a black spiral pattern. Poliwhirl's most distinctive feature is its hypnotic swirl, which can induce drowsiness in those who stare at it. The Pokémon's body is constantly moist and covered with an oily fluid, allowing it to easily slip away from predators. Although capable of living on land, Poliwhirl prefers to stay in freshwater environments where it has fewer natural enemies. It is an adept swimmer and uses its well-developed legs for both aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. Interestingly, Poliwhirl feeds on both bug and fish Pokémon, often leaving the water to capture insects before returning to consume them safely underwater.
Pokédex Data
- Height: 3'3" (1.0 m)
- Weight: 44.1 lbs (20.0 kg)
- Type: Water
- Abilities: Water Absorb, Damp, Swift Swim (Hidden Ability)
- Species: Tadpole Pokémon
Breeding
- Gender Ratio: 50% Male, 50% Female
- Egg Group: Water 1
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: "Capable of living in or out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy."
- Yellow: "Under attack, it uses its belly spiral to put the foe to sleep. It then makes its escape."
- Gold: "The swirl on its belly subtly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness."
- Sun: "Although it can live on land, it prefers to stay in the water, where it has fewer natural enemies."
Evolutions
Poliwhirl evolves from Poliwag at level 25. It can then evolve into Poliwrath when exposed to a Water Stone or into Politoed when traded while holding a King's Rock.
Habits
Poliwhirl is known to use its hypnotic swirl to put enemies to sleep when under attack, allowing it to escape. It prefers living in water but will occasionally venture onto land to search for bug Pokémon to eat. The Pokémon's health can suffer if its skin dries out, so it must stay moisturized.
Additions Across Generations
In Generation II, Poliwhirl gained the ability to evolve into Politoed through trading while holding a King's Rock. Its hidden ability, Swift Swim, was introduced in later generations, which doubles its Speed in rainy weather. The Pokémon's base experience yield and base friendship values have also been adjusted across different generations.