It is based on an anglerfish, more specifically the footballfish.
Chinchou is a play on 提灯 chōchin (lantern).
Chonchie is a corruption of 提灯 chōchin (lantern). Also, チョウチンアンコウ chōchin-ankō is the name of the footballfish, a deep-sea fish similar to Chinchou’s evolution, Lanturn. Notably, 調和 chōwa is Japanese for harmony, describing the balance of Chinchou’s water and electric types.
No: 170
English Name: Chinchou
Japanese Name: Chonchi
Generation: 2
Type: Water, Electric
Species: Angler Pokémon
Abilities: Illuminate, Volt Absorb, Water Absorb (hidden ability)
Evolution: Chinchou > Lanturn
Chinchou is a small, round, blue fish-like Pokémon with a pair of tiny white fins and two small blue feet. Chinchou’s eyes have unique pupils that are shaped like plus signs. It has two antennae that are positioned on its rear like two tails. There is a yellow teardrop-shaped orb at the end of each antenna. The electricity-generating cells in these antennae create so much electrical power that they even make Chinchou tingle slightly. Chinchou charges up its electric attacks by absorbing energy through its two antennae, and flashes its electric lights to exchange signals with others. Chinchou tends to lurk on the dark ocean floors, rarely ever coming up to the surface. However, it has demonstrated the ability to walk on land.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Gold: It shoots positive and negative electricity between the tips of its two antennae and zaps its enemies.
Pokemon Silver: On the dark ocean floor, its only means of communication is its constantly flashing lights.
Pokemon Crystal: Its antennae, which evolved from a fin, have both positive and negative charges flowing through them.
Pokemon Stadium 2: It shoots positive and negative electricity between the tips of its two antennae and zaps its enemies.
Pokemon Ruby: Chinchou lets loose positive and negative electrical charges from its two antennas to make its prey faint. This Pokémon flashes its electric lights to exchange signals with others.
Pokemon Sapphire: Chinchou’s two antennas are filled with cells that generate strong electricity. This Pokémon’s cells create so much electrical power, it even makes itself tingle slightly.
Pokemon Emerald: When it senses danger, it discharges positive and negative electricity from its two antennae. It lives in depths beyond sunlight’s reach.
Pokemon FireRed: On the dark ocean floor, its only means of communication is its constantly flashing lights.
Pokemon LeafGreen: It shoots positive and negative electricity between the tips of its two antennae and zaps its enemies.
Pokemon Diamond: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon Pearl: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon Platinum: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon HeartGold: It shoots positive and negative electricity between the tips of its two antennae and zaps its enemies.
Pokemon SoulSilver: On the dark ocean floor, its only means of communication is its constantly flashing lights.
Pokemon Black: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon White: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon Black 2: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
pokemon White 2: It discharges positive and negative electricity from its antenna tips to shock its foes.
Pokemon X: On the dark ocean floor, its only means of communication is its constantly flashing lights.
Pokemon Y: It shoots positive and negative electricity between the tips of its two antennae and zaps its enemies.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Chinchou lets loose positive and negative electrical charges from its two antennas to make its prey faint. This Pokémon flashes its electric lights to exchange signals with others.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Chinchou’s two antennas are filled with cells that generate strong electricity. This Pokémon’s cells create so much electrical power, it even makes itself tingle slightly.
Pokemon SUN: Its two antennae were originally fins. It discharges electricity to stun its prey before attacking.
Pokemon MOON: It lives in the depths beyond the reach of sunlight. It flashes lights on its antennae to communicate with others of its kind.
