Squirtle is a small, turtle-like Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is one of the three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of the Kanto region games. Squirtle has a distinctive appearance with a light blue body, a curled tail, and a hard brown shell that forms after birth. This shell serves both as protection and as a hydrodynamic feature, allowing Squirtle to swim at high speeds. When threatened, Squirtle can withdraw its head, arms, and legs into its shell for defense.
Squirtle is known for its ability to shoot water from its mouth with great force and accuracy. This skill is not only useful in battles but also in firefighting, as seen with the famous Squirtle Squad in the anime series. Interestingly, Squirtle has a skewed gender ratio, with males being much more common than females. In the wild, Squirtle can be found near small ponds, lakes, and rivers in mountainous regions.
The Squirtle evolutionary line draws inspiration from Asian mythology, particularly the Minogame, a turtle said to live for 10,000 years in Japanese folklore. This connection is reflected in the longevity attributed to its evolved forms in some Pokédex entries.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Tiny Turtle Pokémon
- Height: 0.5 m (1'08")
- Weight: 9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)
- Abilities: Torrent (standard), Rain Dish (hidden)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Monster, Water 1
- Gender Ratio: 87.5% male, 12.5% female
- Egg Cycles: 20 (4,884–5,140 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: "After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. It powerfully sprays foam from its mouth."
- Yellow: "Shoots water at prey while in the water. Withdraws into its shell when in danger."
- Gold: "The shell, which hardens soon after it is born, is resilient. If you poke it, it will bounce back out."
- Ruby/Sapphire: "Squirtle's shell is not merely used for protection. The shell's rounded shape and the grooves on its surface help minimize resistance in water, enabling this Pokémon to swim at high speeds."
Evolutions
Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16, which then evolves into Blastoise at level 36.
Habits and Additions Across Generations
- Generation I: Introduced as one of the original 151 Pokémon.
- Generation II: Gained the ability to hold items and breed.
- Generation III: Received its hidden ability Rain Dish.
- Generation VI: Gained the ability to Mega Evolve in its final form, Blastoise.
- Generation VIII: Can Gigantamax in its final form, Blastoise, gaining a unique appearance and G-Max Move.