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Magikarp (Japanese: コイキング, HepburnKoikingu) (MADGE-eh-karp[1]) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

Physiology[]

Magikarp is a Fish Pokémon. Its body is made up of/covered in red scales. Its fins are either yellow or white. They also have "whiskers" or Maxilliary Barbells. Female Magikarp have white barbells while male Magikarp have yellow barbells. Magikarp refers to them as his magnificent barbs in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.

Gender differences[]

The way to tell a male and female Magikarp apart is that a male Magikarp has gold whiskers while a female has white whiskers. In Pokémon GO and its Water Event, the whiskers of the female Magikarp appears to be white silver or platinum. This also applies when it evolves into a female Gyarados as its whiskers remain white silver than its original blue.

Behavior[]

Magikarp are often regarded as the “most useless Pokémon.” The most they normally can do is use Splash, which does absolutely nothing. Although they can reach heights of 7 feet using this move, they are unable to change direction in the air, so they land in the exact same place. Legend has it that older Magikarp can splash over mountains, though this has never been seen. In fact, splashing Magikarp actually make easy prey for Flying-type Pokémon like Pidgeotto, who can snatch them up as they bounce. They are also weak swimmers, unable to swim through even weak currents. As a result, many of them congregate in small ponds or lakes, unable swim through river currents. Magikarp are very hardy, however, with strong survival instincts and immune systems. They are able to tolerate waters of nearly any salinity, depth, and pollution level.

Natural abilities[]

Shiny-magikarp

A shiny Magikarp.

Despite being strong in the past, its present-day descendants are considerably weaker. It struggles to swim against even the weakest of currents.

Magikarp are often seen as prey to Pokémon such as Pidgeot, which swoop them from the water's surface, and Meowth.

Evolution[]

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20.

Game info[]

Magikarp is the most common Pokémon in the waters of all the Pokémon regions. It can be found in every body of water in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. It is considered to be the weakest Pokémon because it can only use three moves. It is a hardy Pokémon that can thrive in any body of water, no matter if the water is freshwater or saltwater. It can even thrive in polluted waters. However, if it is taken care of properly, it evolves into a magnificent Gyarados, at level 20. Until it reaches level 20, it is utterly useless.

Game locations[]

Locations
Version(s) Area(s) Rarity
Red and Blue Fish with Old Rod, Magikarp Salesman Common
Yellow Fish with Old Rod, Magikarp Salesman Common
Gold and Silver Fish with Old Rod or Good Rod, Surf on the Lake of Rage Common
Crystal Fish with Old Rod or Good Rod, Surf on the Lake of Rage Common
Ruby and Sapphire Fish with Old Rod or Good Rod Common
FireRed and LeafGreen Fish with Old Rod, Magikarp Salesman Common
Emerald Fish with Old Rod or Good Rod Common
Diamond and Pearl Fish with Old Rod, Trade a Finneon on Route 226 Common
Platinum Fish with Old Rod, Trade a Finneon on Route 226 Common
HeartGold and SoulSilver Fish with an Old Rod or a Good Rod Common
Black and White Buy from a Magikarp Salesman One
X and Y Route 3, Route 22, Parfum Palace (Old Rod) Common
Sun and Moon Fish with Old Rod Common

Side game locations[]

Locations
Game(s) Area(s)
Pokémon Channel Secret Cove
Pokémon Trozei! SOL Laboratory 3, Secret Storage 5, Secret Storage 19, Mr. Who's Den
Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team Waterfall Pond (7F-11F)
Explorers of Time & Explorers of Darkness Lake Afar (B1F-B12F)
Pokémon Ranger Safra Sea, Sekra Mountain Range


Pokédex entries[]

  • Red and Blue

    In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.

  • Yellow

    Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.

  • Gold

    An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.

  • Silver

    For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.

  • Crystal

    This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.

  • Ruby

    Magikarp is a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing. This behavior prompted scientists to undertake research on it.

  • Sapphire

    Magikarp is virtually useless in battle as it can only splash around. As a result, it is considered to be weak. However, it is actually a very hardy Pokémon that can survive in any body of water no matter how polluted it is.

  • FireRed

    It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.

  • LeafGreen

    In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.

  • Emerald

    Its swimming muscles are weak, so it is easily washed away by currents. In places where water pools, you can see many Magikarp deposited there by the flow.

  • Diamond

    It is said to be the world's weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.

  • Pearl

    It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.

  • Platinum

    A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.

  • HeartGold

    An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.

  • SoulSilver

    For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.

  • Black

    A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.

  • White

    A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.

  • Black 2

    A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.

  • White 2

    A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.

  • X

    It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.

  • Y

    In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.

  • Omega Ruby

    Magikarp is a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing. This behavior prompted scientists to undertake research into it.

  • Alpha Sapphire

    Magikarp is virtually useless in battle as it can only splash around. As a result, it is considered to be weak. However, it is actually a very hardy Pokémon that can survive in any body of water no matter how polluted it is.

  • Sun

    Although weak and helpless, this Pokémon is incredibly fertile. They exist in such multitudes, you'll soon grow tired of seeing them.

  • Moon

    Its reckless leaps make it easy pickings for predators. On the bright side, many Pokémon enjoy longer life spans, thanks to Magikarp.

  • Ultra Sun

    In the distant past, they were fairly strong, but they have become gradually weaker over time.

  • Ultra Moon

    Thanks to their strong hold on life, dirty water doesn’t bother them at all. They live in waters all over the world.

  • Let's Go, Pikachu!

    Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.

  • Let's Go, Eevee!

    Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.

  • Sword

    It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.

  • Shield

    This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.

  • Brilliant Diamond

    It is said to be the world's weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.

  • Shining Pearl

    It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.

  • Legends: Arceus

    A feeble, pitiful imbecile of a Pokémon that is nonetheless very hardy. Unperturbed by turbid water, it can be found living in all sorts of places.

  • Scarlet

    An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions but never more than seven feet.

  • Violet

    In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.


Stats[]

Stats
HP
20
Attack
10
Defense
55
Sp. Atk
15
Sp. Def
20
Speed
80
Total
200

Learnset[]

By leveling[]

LevelingGeneration VIII
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Status
15 Tackle 40 100% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical
25 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal 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.

LevelingGeneration VII
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Status
15 Tackle 40 100% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal 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.

LevelingGeneration VI
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat. Contest Cat. Appeal Jam
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Status Cute 4 0 ♥
15 Tackle 50 100% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical Tough 4 0 ♥
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical Cute 1 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 V
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Status
15 Tackle 50 100% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal 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.

LevelingGeneration IV
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat. Contest Cat. Appeal
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Status Cute 0
15 Tackle 35 95% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical Tough 3
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal Physical Cute 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 Cat. Appeal Jam
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal Cute 2 0 ♥
15 Tackle 35 95% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal Tough 4 0 ♥
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME Normal Cute 1 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 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal
15 Tackle 35 95% 35 Type Normal HOME Normal
30 Flail 100% 15 Type Normal HOME 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.

LevelingGeneration I
Level Move Power Accuracy PP Type
1 Splash —% 40 Type Normal HOME Normal
15 Tackle 35 95% 35 Type Normal HOME 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.

By TM/HM[]

TMs, TRs, and HMs Generation VIII
TM/HM/TR Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
TM52 Bounce 85 85% 5 Type Flying HOME Flying 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.

Magikarp learns no moves via TM/HM.

By TR[]

TMs, TRs, and HMs Generation VIII
TM/HM/TR Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
TR09 Hydro Pump 110 80% 5 Type Water HOME 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.

By breeding[]

Magikarp learns no moves via breeding.


By tutoring[]

Tutoring Generation VII
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat.
Bounce USUM 85 85% 5 Type Flying HOME Flying 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.

Tutoring Generation VI
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat. Contest Cat. Appeal Jam
Bounce ORAS 85 85% 5 Type Flying HOME Flying Physical Cute 1 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 Cat.
Bounce  85 85% 5 Type Flying HOME Flying 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.

Tutoring Generation IV
Move Power Accuracy PP Type Cat. Contest Cat. Appeal
Bounce  85 85% 5 Type Flying HOME Flying Physical Cute 1
Bold indicates this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.
Italic indicates an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move.

Magikarp learns no moves via tutoring.

Magikarp learns no moves via tutoring.

Sprites[]

Appearances[]

Anime[]

Magikarp appeared in the anime from the very beginning, debuting in Pokémon - I Choose You!". When Ash and Pikachu are fleeing from a flock of Spearow, they jump into a lake to escape, and a Magikarp is seen swimming away followed by a Gyarados, which chases Ash and Pikachu out of the lake.

Magikarp's first major appearance was with Team Rocket in "Battle Aboard the St. Anne". James gets a Magikarp from a dealer, who cheated his money or bottle caps three times in the whole series of Pokémon Anime, in a golden Poké Ball, of which the gold color disguised the red part of the Poké Ball. It then evolves into a Gyarados, when James kicks it away after the ship sank. The newly evolved Gyarados then uses Dragon Rage to send Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Team Rocket blasting away to an island.

Trivia[]

Origin[]

Magikarp is based on a carp. Its evolution into Gyarados is based on a Chinese myth about how carp that leapt over large and tall waterfalls would transform into dragons. It also strongly resembles a yellow-eyed rockfish.

Etymology[]

Magikarp is a combination of magic and carp. The "magic" part may be said ironically, as it seems to convey something wondrous about a mundane and useless Pokémon.

Koiking is a combination of 鯉 koi (carp) and king, giving its name an ironic slant similar to its English name.

Gallery[]

See also[]

  1. ^ Silvestri, Cris (2015). Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook [Book]. p. 222. Scholastic. ISBN 978-0-545-79566-1.
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