Fossil Pokémon are Prehistoric Pokémon which can be obtained from their specific fossils.
All of these Pokémon are of dual Rock-Type, except for Cranidos. They all evolve at Level 40 with the exception of Cranidos and Shieldon, which evolve at Level 30, then Archen and Tirtouga, which evolve at Level 37, and Aerodactyl, who Mega Evolves using its Mega Stone. Any Fossil can be also found in the Underground in 4th Generation games.
Generation I Fossil Pokémon
These Pokémon can be obtained in Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow, and in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen by handing their fossil over to the weird scientist at the Lab on Cinnabar Island.
Kabuto and Kabutops
Kabuto is the shellfish Pokémon. It is a Rock/Water-Type Pokémon revived from a Dome Fossil. It evolves into Kabutops. It is possibly based on a Trilobite.
Omanyte and Omastar
Omanyte is the spiral Pokémon. It is a Rock/Water-Type Pokémon revived from a Helix Fossil. It evolves into Omastar. Omanyte's name and design come from Ammonites, prehistoric mollusks that lived from the Mid-Paleozoic Era to the end of the Cretaceous Period.
Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl is the fossil Pokémon. It is a Rock/-Type Pokémon revived from Old Amber. Aerodactyl is the only Fossil Pokémon that doesn't evolve. Its name and design the prehistoric animal, Pterodactyls. Aerodactyl is the only Flying/Rock Type Pokémon until Generation V. In the game and manga it is revived in Cinnabar Island
In Generation VI it gains a Mega Evolution: Mega Aerodactyl.
Generation III Fossil Pokémon
These Fossils can be found in the desert area east of Lavaridge Town in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. They are in the Crumbling Tower which requires a Mach Bike to get to the top. They can be brought back to life by a Devon worker in Rustboro City. You can get the fossil you did not choose after beating the Elite 4 and going to the fossil maniac's house.
Anorith and Armaldo
Anorith is based on the prehistoric creature Anomalocaris and is the Old shrimp Pokémon. It is a Rock/Bug-Type Pokémon revived from a Claw Fossil. It evolves into Armaldo.
Lileep and Cradily
Lileep is the sea lily Pokémon. It is a Rock/Grass-Type Pokémon revived from a Root Fossil. It evolves into Cradily.
Relicanth
Relicanth is not a true Fossil as it can be found in the wild and does not need to be revived, however, it is an ancient living fossil. It is a Water/Rock. It is also inspired by a fossil fish: Coelacanth.
Generation IV Fossil Pokémon
You can bring these Pokémon back to life at the Oreburgh Museum.
Cranidos and Rampardos
Cranidos is the head butt Pokémon. It is a Rock-Type Pokémon revived from a Skull Fossil. It evolves into Rampardos. Its fossil can only be obtained in Pokémon Diamond or in Pokémon Platinum if the last digit of your trainer ID is an odd number. It is the only Fossil Pokémon who only has one type. It is based on the dinosaur Pachycephalosaurus.
Shieldon and Bastiodon
Shieldon is the shield Pokémon. It is a Rock/Steel-Type Pokémon revived from an Armor Fossil. It evolves into Bastiodon. Its fossil can only be obtained in Pokémon Pearl, and Pokémon Platinum if the last digit of your trainer ID is an even number. It is based on a ceratopsian dinosaur, like Triceratops.
Generation V Fossil Pokémon
These fossil are found inside the Relic Castle the player can bring these Pokémon back to life at the Nacrene Museum.
Tirtouga and Carracosta
Tirtouga is based on an Archelon and is the prototurtle Pokémon. It is a Water/Rock-type Pokémon revived from a Cover Fossil. Carracosta is the evolved form of Tirtouga. It is a Water/Rock-type Pokémon.
Archen and Archeops
Archen is based on an Archaeopteryx and is the first bird Pokémon. It is a Rock/-type Pokémon revived from a Plume Fossil. Archeops is the evolved form of Archen. It is a Rock/-type Pokémon.
Generation VI Fossil Pokémon
Tyrunt and Tyrantrum
Tyrunt is based on a Tyrannosaurus Rex and is the royal heir Pokémon. It is a Rock/Dragon-type Pokémon that is revived from the Jaw Fossil. Tyrantrum is the evolved form of Tyrunt. It is a Rock/Dragon-type Pokémon.
Amaura and Aurorus
Amaura is based on an Amargasaurus and is the tundra Pokémon. It is a Rock/Ice-type Pokémon that is revived from the Sail Fossil. Aurorus is the evolved form of Amaura. It is a Rock/Ice-type Pokémon.
Mega Aerodactyl
Mega Aerodactyl is the Mega Evolution of Generation I's Aerodactyl. It keeps the type but its stats are greatly increased. It evolves using Aerodactylite.
Other
- While normally just a Legendary Pokémon, a Groudon fossil is recovered by Butler in Jirachi: Wish Maker and used to resurrect it as Virus Groudon.
- Genesect were restored from fossils by Team Plasma.
Trivia
- Generation II is the only Generation not to introduce its own fossil Pokémon.
- Generation I is the only Generation to introduce three fossils from which to get fossil Pokémon.
- Aerodactyl is the only fossil Pokémon not to evolve until Generation VI where it mega evolves into Mega Aerodactyl.
- The fossil Pokémon in Generation I are the only Rock type Pokémon that aren't part Ground type introduced in that Generation.