Magikarp
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National:Tauros (#128) - Magikarp - Gyarados (#130) | |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Name (Japanese), Number | Magikarp (Koikingu ), 129 |
| Stage | Basic |
| Evolves from | (none) |
| Evolves to | Gyarados |
| Video game base stats¹ | |
| Hit points | 20 |
| Attack | 10 |
| Defense | 55 |
| Speed | 80 |
| Special attack² | 15 |
| Special defense² | 20 |
| Special³ | 20 |
| Biological | |
| Species | Fish Pokémon |
| Type | Template:PokemonTypeWater |
| Height | 2'11" (0.9 m) |
| Weight | 22 lb (9.9 kg) |
| Ability | Swift Swim |
| Signature Attack | Splash |
| Pokédex Color | Red |
| Shiny color | The area on its body that is normally red turns golden. |
| Gender distribution | 50.0% male, 50.0% female |
| ¹ Stats for trading card versions may vary. | |
Magikarp is a Pokémon considered by most to be the most useless Pokémon in the series of the game. It is number 129 in the original games Pokédex and evolves into Gyarados at level 20. It is a water type Pokémon.
Name Origin
"Magikarp" is a combination of "magic" and "carp".
Many American gamers have wondered what "magic" is supposed to indicate, given the fact that Magikarp is widely considered completely useless. However, there is an interesting possibility: according to Chinese legend, a carp capable of leaping over the "Dragon Gate" will become a dragon. This is likely the reason that the weak Magikarp evolves into the dragon-like Gyarados.
There is also further evidence for this: in at least one episode of the anime, Magikarp were shown swimming upstream and climbing small waterfalls in order to reach a lake where they would evolve, and there are several waterfalls in China that are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate.
If this is indeed the reasoning behind Magikarp's name an evolution, it would also explain why the carp was the fish chosen for the second half of the name.
General
According to the Pokédex, Magikarp can withstand waters with high levels of toxicity and therefore is the hardiest pokémon. An example from the anime that supports this is when Team Rocket's Meowth tries to eat one and only ends up with broken teeth. The Pokédex also states that Magikarp used to be a much more useful pokémon in the past, but has grown weaker over time.
As said above, Magikarp is typically considered to be a very useless Pokémon. This is because it had no real physical attacks. The original move it had is called Splash, which does nothing. The only move it originally had that even did some damage was Tackle. Since Gold and Silver is also has had the move Flail, but it would be worthless if you stuck with Magikarp long enough to get the move (instead of evolving it into Gyarados).
The evolved form of Magikarp, Gyarados, is a complete change from this worthless Pokémon. Gyarados is instead a fearsome dragon-like Pokémon with some very strong attacks. This makes training a young Magikarp worth it in the long run.
Anime information
In the Pokémon Anime episode that takes place aboard the SS Anne, James buys a Magikarp in a Gold ball (http://www.geocities.com/pokemontours2/indexes/objects/balls/gold.htm) thinking it was very valuable, and would help him to get rich. He turned out very surprised when he asked it to save them from drowning and it did nothing except splash in the water.
In several of the Orange Islands episodes, Team Rocket has a Magikarp-shaped submarine.
In the episode "Who Gets to Keep Togepi?", Ash's group and Team Rocket are seen eating at a diner whose logo is a Magikarp. It is odd that a distinctly inedible Pokémon like Magikarp would be used to promote a restaurant.
In "Pearls are a Spoink's Best Friend", James buys a Feebas from the Magikarp salesman, only for the paint to wash away revealing that it is another Magikarp!