Nidoran♂

Nidoran♂ (ニドラン♂ Nidoran♂) is a -type Pokémon and is the male counterpart to Nidoran♀. It can evolve into a Nidorino starting at level 16.

Appearance
Nidoran♂ is a small, rabbit-based Pokémon with large ears, whiskers and front teeth. They are covered with spines primarily on their back which can release potent poisons if Nidoran♂ is threatened. Nidoran♂ have a larger forehead horn than their female counterparts, Nidoran♀.

Special Abilities
Its large horns can secrete a powerful venom, unlike its female counterpart, the size of the horns is indicative of the strength of the venom. It also has unique muscles around its ears, which permit them to be moved in any direction.

In Anime
Nidoran♂ with its counterpart, Nidoran♀, were featured in the episode ''Wherefore Art Thou, Pokémon? ''. A young boy named Ralph owned a Nidoran♂ which evolved into a Nidorino after kissing his friend Emily's Nidoran♀.

Generation I
Main article: Nidoran♂/Learnset Generation I

Origins
Nidoran♂'s name may be based on the word needle. It may also be based from the word cnidarian which are stinging animals. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 ni, two, or 二度 nido, two times/two degrees, referring to there being two distinct evolutionary lines using the name with similar names and traits. The ♂ in its name is an indication of its male gender.