Poliwag

ニョロモ

Nyoromo

Generation

Generation I

Pokédex

Index

Mountain Kalos

N/A

033

Evolves

From

None

Into

Poliwhirl

Footprint

Cry

Poliwag (Japanese: ニョロモ Nyoromo) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

Biology

Physiology

It is so soft its organs are actually visible. It also has trouble walking on its feet due to its lack of arms which causes it to be unbalanced. The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged, that means it's affected by some disease.

Behavior

Natural abilities

Poliwag will have one of two abilities; either Damp where the foe is unable to use Self-Destruct or Explosion, or Water Absorb where Water attacks heal 1/4 of Poliwag's health. With its light blue tail, it can swim very fast. It learns attacks such Bubble and Bubble Beam, and that was presumably why it has a small mouth. The mouth actually acts like a Suction cup to cling onto rocks with fats flowing water, much like the Lileep line’s roots.

Evolution

Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl at level 25, which can then either evolve into Poliwrath by Water Stone, or Politoed by trade while holding a King's Rock.

Game info

Game locations

Locations
Version(s)	Area(s)	Rarity
Red and Blue	Viridian City and Route 22 (Fish)	Common
Yellow	Routes 16, 17, 22, and 23, and Viridian City, Fuchsia City (Fish)	Common
Gold and Silver	Routes 16, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, and 44, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, Viridian City, and Blackthorn City (Fish)	Common
Crystal	Routes 16, 22, 28, 30, 31, 35, 43, and 44, Ruins of Alph, Ilex Forest, Ecruteak City, Violet City, Mt. Silver, Viridian City, and Blackthorn City (Fish)	Common
Ruby and Sapphire	Trade	None
FireRed and LeafGreen	Routes 6, 22, 23, 25, Four Island, Fuchsia City, Viridian City, Berry Forest, Cape Brink, Cerulean City, Cerulean Cave, Icefall Cave, Ruin Valley, and Safari Zone (Fish)	Common
Emerald	Trade	None
Platinum	Routes 227 and 228 (Surf)	Common
HeartGold and SoulSilver	Fishing	Common
Black and White	Route 6, Wellspring Cave, Challenger's Cave, Victory Road, Giant Chasm (Fishing)	Common
X and Y	Route 14, Laverre City, Route 15, Route 16, Frost Cavern, Couriway Town, Route 19, Pokémon Village, Route 21, Victory Road (Old Rod) Pokémon Village (Horde)	Common
Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire	Trade	None
Sun and Moon	Brooklet Hill, Malie Garden	Common, Uncommon

Side game locations

Locations
Game(s)	Area(s)
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Channel	Secret Cove
Pokémon Trozei!	Phobos Sub, Endless Level 22, Pair Trozei, Mr. Who's Den
Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team	Silent Chasm (5F-9F) Northwind Field (1F-4F) Waterfall Pond (1F-5F)
Explorers of Time & Explorers of Darkness	Waterfall Cave (B1F-B8F) Serenity River (B1F-B7F)
Pokémon Ranger	Krokka Tunnel
Pokémon Rumble	Shiny Beach

Pokédex entries

Red and Blue
Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Yellow
The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Gold
Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Silver
The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Crystal
The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats.
Ruby
Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Sapphire
Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
FireRed
Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
LeafGreen
Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Emerald
It is possible to see this Pokémon's spiral innards right through its thin skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Diamond
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pearl
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Platinum
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
HeartGold
Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
SoulSilver
The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Black
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Black 2
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
White 2
Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
X
Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
Y
The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Omega Ruby
Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Alpha Sapphire
Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon's spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Sun
The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it's affected by some disease.
Moon
It's still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day.
Ultra Sun
Despite the danger, it wants to come up on land. So it does its best to waddle along, but when an enemy finds it, it rushes back to the water.
Ultra Moon
The direction of the swirl on their stomachs differs depending on where they live. Poliwag aficionados can tell them apart at a glance.
Let's Go, Pikachu!
The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Let's Go, Eevee!
The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Sword
For Poliwag, swimming is easier than walking. The swirl pattern on its belly is actually part of the Pokémon's innards showing through the skin.
Shield
In rivers with fast-flowing water, this Pokémon will cling to a rock by using its thick lips, which act like a suction cup.

Stats

Poliwag's Stats
HP	40
Attack	50
Defense	40
Sp. Atk	40
Sp. Def	40
Speed	90
Total	300

Learnset

Leveling

LevelingGeneration VII
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
1	Water Sport	—	—%	15	Water	Status
5	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water	Special
8	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic	Status
11	Bubble	40	100%	30	Water	Special
15	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal	Physical
18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status
21	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal	Physical
25	Bubble Beam	65	100%	20	Water	Special
28	Mud Shot	55	95%	15	Ground	Special
31	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
35	Wake-Up Slap	70	100%	10	Fighting	Physical
38	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water	Special
41	Mud Bomb	65	85%	10	Ground	Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration VI
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
1	Water Sport	—	—%	15	Water	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
5	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
8	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic	Status		1 ♥	3 ♥
11	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
15	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal	Physical		1 ♥	0 ♥
18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
21	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal	Physical		1 ♥	4 ♥
25	Bubble Beam	65	100%	20	Water	Special		2 ♥	3 ♥
28	Mud Shot	55	95%	15	Ground	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
31	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Water	Special		6 ♥	0 ♥
35	Wake-Up Slap	70	100%	10	Fighting	Physical		3 ♥	0 ♥
38	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water	Special		1 ♥	0 ♥
41	Mud Bomb	65	85%	10	Ground	Special		2 ♥	3 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration V
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
1	Water Sport	—	—%	15	Water	Status
5	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water	Special
8	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic	Status
11	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water	Special
15	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal	Physical
18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status
21	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal	Physical
25	Bubble Beam	65	100%	20	Water	Special
28	Mud Shot	55	95%	15	Ground	Special
31	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Water	Special
35	Wake-Up Slap	70	100%	10	Fighting	Physical
38	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water	Special
41	Mud Bomb	65	85%	10	Ground	Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration IV
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal
1	Water Sport	—	—%	15	Water	Status		2 ♥
5	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water	Special		2 ♥
8	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic	Status		2 ♥
11	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water	Special		3 ♥
15	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status		2 ♥
21	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal	Physical		3 ♥
25	Bubble Beam	65	100%	20	Water	Special		2 ♥
28	Mud Shot	55	95%	15	Ground	Special		2 ♥
31	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Water	Special		2 ♥
35	Wake-Up Slap	70	100%	10	Fighting	Physical		2 ♥
38	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water	Special		2 ♥
41	Mud Bomb	65	85%	10	Ground	Special		2 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration III
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
1	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water		2 ♥	2 ♥
7	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic		1 ♥	3 ♥
13	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water		4 ♥	0 ♥
19	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal		2 ♥	1 ♥
25	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water		1 ♥	2 ♥
31	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal		1 ♥	4 ♥
37	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Water		1 ♥	0 ♥
43	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water		4 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration II
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
1	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water
7	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic
13	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water
19	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal
25	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water
31	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal
37	Belly Drum	—	—%	10	Water
43	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

LevelingGeneration I
Level	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
1	Bubble	20	100%	30	Water
16	Hypnosis	—	60%	20	Psychic
19	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water
25	Double Slap	15	85%	10	Normal
31	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal
38	Amnesia	—	—%	20	Normal
45	Hydro Pump	110	80%	5	Water
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TM/HM

TMs and HMs Generation VII
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.
TM06	Toxic	—	90%	10	Poison	Status
TM07	Hail	—	—%	10	Ice	Status
TM10	Hidden Power	60	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM13	Ice Beam	90	100%	10	Ice	Special
TM14	Blizzard	110	70%	5	Ice	Special
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic	Special
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal	Status
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal	Status
TM46	Thief	60	100%	25	Dark	Physical
TM48	Round	60	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM55	Scald	80	100%	15	Water	Special
TM87	Swagger	—	85%	15	Normal	Status
TM88	Sleep Talk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM90	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM94	Surf	90	100%	15	Water	Special
TM98	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water	Physical
TM100	Confide	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation VI
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.	Contest Cat.	Appeal	Jam
TM06	Toxic	—	90%	10	Poison	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
TM07	Hail	—	—%	10	Ice	Status		2 ♥	1 ♥
TM10	Hidden Power	60	100%	15	Normal	Special		3 ♥	0 ♥
TM13	Ice Beam	90	100%	10	Ice	Special		1 ♥	4 ♥
TM14	Blizzard	110	70%	5	Ice	Special		1 ♥	3 ♥
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥	3 ♥
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical		4 ♥	0 ♥
TM28	Dig	80	100%	10	Ground	Physical		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM46	Thief	60	100%	25	Dark	Physical		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM48	Round	60	100%	15	Normal	Special		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM55	Scald	80	100%	15	Water	Special		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM87	Swagger	—	90%	15	Normal	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
TM88	Sleep Talk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM90	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM94	Secret Power^ORAS	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM100	Confide	—	—%	20	Normal	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
HM03	Surf	90	100%	15	Water	Special		2 ♥	2 ♥
HM05	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water	Physical		4 ♥	0 ♥
HM07	Dive^ORAS	80	100%	10	Water	Physical		2 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation V
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.
TM06	Toxic	—	90%	10	Poison	Status
TM07	Hail	—	—%	10	Ice	Status
TM10	Hidden Power	—	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM13	Ice Beam	95	100%	10	Ice	Special
TM14	Blizzard	120	70%	5	Ice	Special
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM28	Dig	80	100%	10	Ground	Physical
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic	Special
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal	Status
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal	Status
TM46	Thief	40	100%	10	Dark	Physical
TM48	Round	60	100%	15	Normal	Special
TM55	Scald	80	100%	15	Water	Special
TM87	Swagger	—	90%	15	Normal	Status
TM90	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
HM03	Surf	95	100%	15	Water	Special
HM05	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water	Physical
HM06	Dive	80	100%	10	Water	Physical
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation IV
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Cat.	Contest Cat.	Appeal
TM03	Water Pulse	60	100%	20	Water	Special		2 ♥
TM06	Toxic	—	85%	10	Poison	Status		2 ♥
TM07	Hail	—	—%	10	Ice	Status		2 ♥
TM10	Hidden Power	—	100%	15	Normal	Special		1 ♥
TM13	Ice Beam	95	100%	10	Ice	Special		2 ♥
TM14	Blizzard	120	70%	5	Ice	Special		2 ♥
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		0 ♥
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water	Status		2 ♥
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
TM28	Dig	80	100%	10	Ground	Physical		1 ♥
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic	Special		2 ♥
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal	Status		2 ♥
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
TM43	Secret Power	70	100%	20	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic	Status		0 ♥
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal	Status		2 ♥
TM46	Thief	40	100%	10	Dark	Physical		0 ♥
TM58	Endure	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		2 ♥
TM78	Captivate	—	100%	20	Normal	Status		2 ♥
TM82	Sleep Talk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		3 ♥
TM83	Natural Gift	—	100%	15	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
TM87	Swagger	—	90%	15	Normal	Status		2 ♥
TM90	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		1 ♥
HM03	Surf	95	100%	15	Water	Special		2 ♥
HM05^HGSS	Whirlpool	15	70%	15	Water	Special		0 ♥
HM07	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water	Physical		3 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation III
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Contest Cat.	Appeal	Jam
TM03	Water Pulse	60	100%	20	Water		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM06	Toxic	—	85%	10	Poison		3 ♥	0 ♥
TM07	Hail	—	—%	10	Ice		1 ♥	3 ♥
TM10	Hidden Power	—	100%	15	Normal		3 ♥	0 ♥
TM13	Ice Beam	95	100%	10	Ice		2 ♥	1 ♥
TM14	Blizzard	120	70%	5	Ice		4 ♥	0 ♥
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM28	Dig	60	100%	10	Ground		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic		1 ♥	3 ♥
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM42	Facade	70	100%	20	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM43	Secret Power	70	100%	20	Normal		1 ♥	0 ♥
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
TM46	Thief	40	100%	10	Dark		1 ♥	0 ♥
HM03	Surf	95	100%	15	Water		3 ♥	0 ♥
HM07	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water		2 ♥	0 ♥
HM08	Dive	60	100%	10	Water		2 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation II
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
TM02	Headbutt	70	100%	15	Normal
TM03	Curse	—	—%	10	???
TM06	Toxic	—	85%	10	Poison
TM10	Hidden Power	—	100%	15	Normal
TM13	Snore	40	100%	15	Normal
TM14	Blizzard	120	70%	5	Ice
TM16	Icy Wind	55	95%	15	Ice
TM17	Protect	—	—%	10	Normal
TM18	Rain Dance	—	—%	5	Water
TM20	Endure	—	—%	10	Normal
TM21	Frustration	—	100%	20	Normal
TM27	Return	—	100%	20	Normal
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal
TM34	Swagger	—	90%	15	Normal
TM35	Sleep Talk	—	—%	10	Normal
TM40	Defense Curl	—	—%	40	Normal
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic
TM45	Attract	—	100%	15	Normal
TM46	Thief	40	100%	10	Dark
HM03	Surf	95	100%	15	Water
HM06	Whirlpool	15	70%	15	Water
HM07	Waterfall	80	100%	15	Water
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

TMs and HMs Generation I
TM/HM	Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
TM06	Toxic	—	85%	10	Poison
TM08	Body Slam	85	100%	15	Normal
TM09	Take Down	90	85%	20	Normal
TM10	Double-Edge	100	100%	15	Normal
TM11	BubbleBeam	65	100%	20	Water
TM12	Water Gun	40	100%	25	Water
TM13	Ice Beam	95	100%	10	Ice
TM14	Blizzard	120	90%	5	Ice
TM20	Rage	20	100%	20	Normal
TM29	Psychic	90	100%	10	Psychic
TM31	Mimic	—	—%	10	Normal
TM32	Double Team	—	—%	15	Normal
TM34	Bide	—	—%	10	Normal
TM40	Skull Bash	100	100%	15	Normal
TM44	Rest	—	—%	10	Psychic
TM46	Psywave	—	80%	15	Psychic
TM50	Substitute	—	—%	10	Normal
HM03	Surf	95	100%	15	Water
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Breeding

Breeding Generation VII
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
Bubble Beam	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Lotad, Lombre, Surskit, Corphish, Crawdaunt, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Ducklett, Swanna, Clauncher, Clawitzer, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Dewpider, Araquanid	65	100%	20	Water	Special
Encore	Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina	—	100%	5	Normal	Status
Endeavor	Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical
Endure	Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
Haze	Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja	—	—%	30	Ice	Status
Ice Ball	Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	30	90%	20	Ice	Physical
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal	Status
Mist	Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon	—	—%	30	Ice	Status
Mud Shot	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Stunfisk	55	95%	15	Ground	Special
Refresh	Corsola, Milotic	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Splash	Feebas, Clauncher, Clawitzer	—	—%	40	Normal	Status
Water Pulse	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Lapras, Remoraid, Mantine, Wingull, Pelipper, Milotic, Huntail, Gorebyss, Shellos, Gastrodon, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Skrelp, Dragalge, Clauncher, Clawitzer	60	100%	20	Water	Special
Water Sport	Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Marill, Azumarill, Lombre, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic, Gorebyss, Piplup, Prinplup, Buizel, Floatzel, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola, Clauncher, Clawitzer, Dewpider, Pyukumuku	—	—%	15	Water	Status
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Breeding Generation VI
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
Bubble Beam	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Lotad, Lombre, Surskit, Corphish, Crawdaunt, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Ducklett, Swanna, Clauncher, Clawitzer	65	100%	20	Water	Special		2 ♥	3 ♥
Encore	Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	—	100%	5	Normal	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
Endeavor	Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical		2 ♥	0 ♥
Endure	Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
Haze	Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Greninja	—	—%	30	Ice	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
Ice Ball	Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	30	90%	20	Ice	Physical		3 ♥	0 ♥
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal	Status		3 ♥	0 ♥
Mist	Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon	—	—%	30	Ice	Status		1 ♥	0 ♥
Mud Shot	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Stunfisk	55	95%	15	Ground	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
Refresh	Corsola, Milotic	—	—%	20	Normal	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
Splash	Feebas, Clauncher, Clawitzer	—	—%	40	Normal	Status		4 ♥	0 ♥
Water Pulse	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Lapras, Remoraid, Mantine, Wingull, Pelipper, Milotic, Huntail, Gorebyss, Shellos, Gastrodon, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Skrelp, Dragalge, Clauncher, Clawitzer	60	100%	20	Water	Special		3 ♥	0 ♥
Water Sport	Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Marill, Azumarill, Lombre, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic, Piplup, Prinplup, Buizel, Floatzel, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola, Clauncher, Clawitzer	—	—%	15	Water	Status		2 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Breeding Generation V
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
BubbleBeam	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Lotad, Lombre, Surskit, Corphish, Crawdaunt, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Ducklett, Swanna	65	100%	20	Water	Special
Encore	Seel, Dewgong, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	—	100%	5	Normal	Status
Endeavor	Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical
Endure	Kabuto, Kabutops, Corsola, Stunfisk	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
Haze	Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit	—	—%	30	Ice	Status
Ice Ball	Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	30	90%	20	Ice	Physical
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal	Status
Mist	Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon	—	—%	30	Ice	Status
Mud Shot	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, Kabutops, Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert, Tympole, Palpitoad, Seismitoad, Stunfisk	55	95%	15	Ground	Special
Refresh	Corsola, Milotic	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Splash	Feebas	—	—%	40	Normal	Status
Water Pulse	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Lapras, Remoraid, Mantine, Wingull, Pelipper, Milotic, Huntail, Gorebyss, Shellos, Gastrodon, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola	60	100%	20	Water	Special
Water Sport	Psyduck, Golduck, Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Seel, Lombre, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic, Piplup, Prinplup, Buizel, Floatzel, Ducklett, Swanna, Alomomola	—	—%	15	Water	Status
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Breeding Generation IV
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal
BubbleBeam	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Politoed, Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Surskit, Masquerain, Corphish, Crawdaunt, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon	65	100%	20	Water	Special		2 ♥
Encore^HGSS	Seel, Dewgong, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	—	100%	5	Normal	Status		1 ♥
Endeavor	Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Corphish, Crawdaunt	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical		2 ♥
Haze	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite, Wooper, Quagsire, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Feebas, Milotic	—	—%	30	Ice	Status		2 ♥
Ice Ball	Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	30	90%	20	Ice	Physical		2 ♥
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal	Status		1 ♥
Mist	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon	—	—%	30	Ice	Status		2 ♥
Mud Shot	Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Wooper, Quagsire, Marshtomp, Swampert	55	95%	15	Ground	Special		2 ♥
Refresh	Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Psyduck, Golduck, Corsola, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Milotic	—	—%	20	Normal	Status		0 ♥
Splash	Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra, Magikarp, Gyarados, Marill, Azumarill, Mantine, Feebas, Milotic	—	—%	40	Normal	Status		0 ♥
Water Sport	Psyduck, Golduck, Seel, Dewgong, Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Mantine, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Bidoof, Bibarel, Buizel, Floatzel	—	—%	15	Water	Status		2 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Breeding Generation III
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
BubbleBeam	Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Surskit, Masquerain, Corphish, Crawdaunt	65	100%	20	Water		1 ♥	3 ♥
Haze	Wooper, Quagsire, Surskit, Masquerain	—	—%	30	Ice		3 ♥	0 ♥
Ice Ball	Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein	30	90%	20	Ice		3 ♥	0 ♥
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal		3 ♥	0 ♥
Mist	Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Wingull, Pelipper, Surskit, Masquerain	—	—%	30	Ice		1 ♥	0 ♥
Splash	Marill, Azumarill, Feebas, Milotic	—	—%	40	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
Water Sport	Psyduck, Golduck, Lombre, Ludicolo, Surskit, Masquerain, Milotic	—	—%	15	Water		4 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Breeding Generation II
Move	Father	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
BubbleBeam	Marill, Azumarill, Corsola, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine	65	100%	20	Water
Haze	Wooper, Quagsire	—	—%	30	Ice
Mind Reader	Poliwrath	—	—%	5	Normal
Mist	Lapras, Wooper, Quagsire	—	—%	30	Ice
Splash *	Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra	—	—%	40	Normal
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. * indicates this move requires chain breeding. ◊ indicates the father must learn this move in a previous generation. ♈ indicates the father must learn this move via a TM.

Tutoring

Tutoring Generation VII
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
Endeavor ^USUM	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical
Helping Hand ^USUM	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Icy Wind ^USUM	55	95%	15	Ice	Special
Snore ^USUM	50	100%	15	Normal	Special
Water Pulse ^USUM	60	100%	20	Water	Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation VI
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
Endeavor ^ORAS	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical		2 ♥	0 ♥
Helping Hand ^ORAS	—	—%	20	Normal	Status		4 ♥	0 ♥
Icy Wind ^ORAS	55	95%	15	Ice	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
Snore ^ORAS	50	100%	15	Normal	Special		4 ♥	0 ♥
Water Pulse ^ORAS	60	100%	20	Water	Special		3 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation V
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category
Endeavor ^B2W2	—	100%	5	Normal	Physical
Helping Hand ^B2W2	—	—%	20	Normal	Status
Icy Wind ^B2W2	55	95%	15	Ice	Special
Sleep Talk ^B2W2	—	—%	10	Normal	Status
Snore ^B2W2	40	100%	15	Normal	Special
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation IV
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Category	Contest Category	Appeal
Dive ^HGSSPt	80	100%	10	Water	Physical		1 ♥
Headbutt ^HGSS	70	100%	15	Normal	Physical		3 ♥
Helping Hand ^HGSSPt	—	—%	20	Normal	Status		1 ♥
Icy Wind ^HGSSPt	55	95%	15	Ice	Special		2 ♥
Snore ^HGSSPt	40	100%	15	Normal	Special		3 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation III
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type	Contest Category	Appeal	Jam
Body Slam ^FRLGEXD	85	100%	15	Normal		1 ♥	4 ♥
Defense Curl ^E	—	—%	40	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
Double-Edge ^FRLGEXD	120	100%	15	Normal		6 ♥	0 ♥
Endure ^E	—	—%	10	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
Icy Wind ^EXD	55	95%	15	Ice		1 ♥	3 ♥
Mimic ^FRLGEXD	—	—%	10	Normal		1 ♥	0 ♥
Sleep Talk ^E	—	—%	10	Normal		3 ♥	0 ♥
Snore ^E	40	100%	15	Normal		4 ♥	0 ♥
Substitute ^FRLGEXD	—	—%	10	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
Swagger ^EXD	—	90%	15	Normal		2 ♥	0 ♥
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Tutoring Generation II
Move	Power	Accuracy	PP	Type
Ice Beam ^C	95	100%	10	Ice
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Sprites

Appearances

Anime

Misty's Poliwag.
Goh's Poliwag.

Main article: Misty's Politoed

Misty caught a Poliwag in the Orange Islands.
Lola's Poliwag
Hiroshi's Poliwag
Goh's Poliwag

Petting Spots

Favored Spot: Top of head
Disfavored Spot: Stomach swirls

Trivia

Poliwag is Satoshi Tajiri's favorite Pokémon, as confirmed in an interview on the TV show GameCenter CX in 2004.
Poliwag shares the same in-game cry/sound with Ditto's. This was fixed in Generation VI.
Poliwag shares the same species name with Tympole, they're both known has the Tadpole Pokémon.
Poliwag’s base EXP yield was changed from 77 to 60 in Generation V.
- This reflects its National Pokédex number.
Poliwag’s skin is said to be black in FireRed. This only applies to its original Generation I sprite for Red and Blue, however, as starting from yellow it has blue skin (probably due to a similar situation to Jynx or due to technical limitations).

Origin

Poliwag is based on a tadpole. Its spiral stomach pattern is based off the transparent underbellies of tadpoles where their winding intestines are visible.

Etymology

Poliwag may come from polliwog and wag (referring to its long tail). The word "polliwog" means "head wiggle", so the name can be interpreted as Poliwag wiggling around both its head and tail.