Fish Pokemon have been a staple of the series since Gen 1! Since the firstPokemongame, released in 1996,over a thousand Pokemonhave been added to the Dex. Among that number are Pokemon based on all sorts of critters: cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, and fish! There are fish Pokemon of all types, but they’re mostly Water-types, which makes sense.
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Fish populate the seas of their games and can be seen flopping along the beaches and coastlines. They’re unique because they can generally only be found in these areas, sometimes only after unlocking boats or water bikes, so each generation’s fish Pokemon has to stand out in its own way. Some Pokemon are iconic because of interesting lore, troublesome designs, or simply longevity!
10Bruxish - Gnash Teeth Pokemon
If there’s one thing to be said about Bruxish, it’s that it’s memorable. It’s one of those Pokemon designs that stand out, no matter how the player feels about it. As one of the most bizarre Pokemon designs, especially of the new generations, Bruxish is a Gen 7 Pokemon with a colorful patterned design to suit its Alolan habitat.
Bruxish is a Water/Psychic Pokemon and has psychic powers that emanate from the bulb on its head. It’s always obvious when a Bruxish is around because the air will be filled with “the grating sound of grinding teeth.”
9Gorebyss - South Sea Pokemon
Gorebyss is one of two possible evolutions of Clamperl, and it’s downright terrifying. ItsUltra MoonPokedex entry states that “it sucks bodily fluids out of its prey. The leftover meat sinks to the seafloor, where it becomes food for other Pokemon.“The implications of such an entryshould not be dwelled on.
It made its first appearance inPokemon Ruby & Sapphire, where it evolved from Clamperl when traded with the Deep Sea Scale item. It resembles a pipefish, with a similarly long mouth.
8Stunfisk - Trap Pokemon
While most fish Pokemon have at leastsomeWater-typing, Stunfisk avoids this altogether by being a Ground-type, with a Ground/Steel regional form inPokemon Sword and Shield. This doesn’t quite make sense for its original form,but its Galarian formis based on a bear trap, which is often hidden in the ground.
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When designing the Pokemon, Mana Ibe stated that its shape stemmed from the desire to create “the flattest Pokemon ever.” It seems like she succeeded!
7Luvdisc - Rendezvous Pokemon
Luvdisc is a heart-shaped pink Pokemon introduced in Gen 3! A pure Water-type, this adorable Pokemon is based on the popular discus fish, a real-life heart-shaped fish that is very popular as an aquarium fish. It might also take inspiration from the kissing gourami, a type of fish that appear to kiss!
It’s known as the “Rendevous Pokemon,” a fitting title as itsPokemon Sapphiredex entry states that “Luvdisc’s heart-shaped body is a symbol of love and romance. It is said that any couple meeting this Pokemon is promised a loving relationship that never ends.”
6Eelektross - EleFish Pokemon
Eelektross is another fish Pokemon with no Water-typing, being a pure Electric-type. This is probably for the best, as a dual Water/Electric would be a little overpowered. That being said, Eelektross and its evolutions are the only current Pokemon with no type weaknesses, making them quite useful in battle.
This Pokemon is based on an eel, specifically the electric eel. Interestingly, the electric eel is a type of kitefish - so it’s not actually an eel at all!
5Whiscash - Whiskers Pokemon
Whiscash is a Water/Ground-type introduced in Gen 3. It resembles a blue catfish, with yellow markings on its forehead in the shape of a “W,” for Whiscash!
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Despite how friendly it looks, it’s said to be super territorial and goes on rampages that cause massive earthquakes when an enemy approaches! While it’s definitely based on a catfish, it could be more specifically based on “Namazu,” a catfish in Japanese mythology that causes earthquakes.
4Wishiwashi - Small Fry Pokemon
Wishiwashi is a super unique Pokemonwith an alternate form. When Wishwashi enters a battle or ends a turn with its HP above 25%, it changes from its tiny “Solo Form,” the smallest and lightest Water Pokemon, into “School Form,” the most drastic base stat change of the entire game!
In School form, theirUltra MoonPokedex entry states that “at their appearance, even Gyarados will flee. When they team up to use Water Gun, its power exceeds that of Hydro Pump.”
3Goldeen - Goldfish Pokemon
One of a few iconic goldfish Pokemon, Goldeen is a Gen 1 Pokemon based on the Tosakin, or “curly fantail” breed of goldfish due to its flat tail and red-and-white scales. It also resembles a koi!
Unlike goldfish and koi, Goldeen is not to be kept in an aquarium. ItsAlpha SapphirePokedex entry states that “Goldeen loves swimming wild and free in rivers and ponds. If one of these Pokemon is placed in an aquarium, it will shatter even the thickest glass with one ram of its horn and make its escape!”
2Chi-Yu - Ruinous Pokemon
Chi-Yu is the newest fish Pokemon on this list, introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violetas one of the game’s four legendary “Ruinous Pokemon"that can be found in shrinesdotted around Paldea. Its body is made entirely out of fire, aside from the jade beads that curl up below its eyes.
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It’s likely based on a goldfish, in particular, the telescope eye and celestial eye breeds, which have similarly protruding eyes. The beads themselves are based on “magatama,” jade beads that served as ceremonial and religious objects in ancient Japan.
1Magikarp - Fish Pokemon
Who else could top this list but the iconic Magikarp? This Gen 1 Pokemon has stood the test of time, simply known as the “Fish Pokemon,” because that’s all it needs. It’s known for being a little pathetic and very jumpy - possibly because it’s based on Asian carp, which are easily scared and can jump 8–10ft in the air!
However, Magikarp gets a major glow-up when it evolves. At Level 20 Magikarpgoes from prey to predator- evolving into the mighty Gyrados, which increases in base stat points by 340 points!
