Vulpix

Vulpix (ロコン Rokon) is a -type Pokémon. By use of a Fire Stone, Vulpix can evolve into Ninetales.

Appearance
Vulpix are fox-like Pokémon with red-brown colored fur. Vulpix's most distinctive feature is its six tails that are curled at the tips. According to the Pokédex, its tails are actually one tail that splits multiple times as it grows older. On the top of its head, Vulpix have fur that curls into three rolls at the top and falls over its forehead at the bottom.

Additionally, a shiny Vulpix has a golden color scheme as opposed to its original red-brown. Also, Vulpix do not have any differences in appearance between genders.

Special abilities
All Vulpix have the ability Flash Fire, which powers up its -type moves when hit by any -type move and makes it immune to -type attacks.

According to the Pokédex, Vulpix have a flame inside their body that never goes out. This presumably gives it the ability to use fire attacks such as Flamethrower.

In the anime series
Vulpix first debuted in the episode Pokémon Fashion Flash under the ownership of a Pokémon Breeder named Suzy. Other Vulpix have infrequently appeared in the anime when compared to that of other Pokémon.

Brock's Vulpix
Brock had a Vulpix early on in the anime series in the aforementioned episode Pokémon Fashion Flash. Brock received it from the Pokémon Breeder named Suzy. While Brock did not use this Vulpix frequently in battle, he was often seen taking care of it, usually grooming it. In the episode Beauty and the Breeder, Brock returned the Vulpix back to Suzy.

Origins
Vulpix's name is a combination of vulpes, Latin for fox, and six, referring to its six tails. The rok in Rokon may be derived from roku, six; the kon may be derived from 'grudge' which refers to the curse that Vulpix and Ninetales may cast on their foes. This is also reflected in Vulpix, which learns Grudge. Kon may also refer to the Japanese onomatopoeia kon kon which is the sound that foxes make. Furthermore, a konko is a gas burner stove.

Vulpix are based upon foxes. Though in Japan there are legends concerning foxes (or kitsune as they are called there). One such legend which is most relevant to Vulpix is how multi-tailed kitsune can breathe fire, create illusions and have extremely long lives. After having concluded their lifecycle, these creatures take on a spirit form, which may have been the reason why Vulpix and Ninetales can learn -type moves.

Trivia

 * Vulpix's original name was "Foxfire".
 * Despite knowing Energy Ball via breeding, Vulpix cannot learn it via a TM. This has been fixed as of Generation V.
 * Vulpix, along with its evoloution, Ninetales, is the only non--type to learn Grudge and Will-O-Wisp by leveling up.
 * Vulpix and Ninetales are the only non-Legendary Pokémon to have the ability Drought. This ability, however, was in Dream World.
 * Vulpix is often considered to be Growlithe's counterpart as they are both -type Pokémon and are version exclusive Pokémon.