Magikarp is based on the Asian carp, which are easily frightened by disturbances in water and can jump 8–10 feet (2.5–3 m) in the air.
Magikarp’s evolution into Gyarados is based on a legend about how carp that leapt over the Dragon Gate would become dragons. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This legend is an allegory of the drive and efforts needed to overcome obstacles. This may have inspired an element in Pokémon Snap where, after certain steps are taken, a Magikarp will splash its way into a waterfall where it evolves.
Magikarp’s name is a combination of magic and carp, possibly mocking the Magikarp as a species, as someone with ‘magic’ powers is generally thought to be quite powerful, which Magikarp is not (though carp are said to be able to transform into dragons, which is magical in its own way).
Koiking is a combination of 鯉 koi (carp) and king, giving its name an ironic slant similar to its English name.
No: 129
English Name: Magikarp
Japanese Name: Koikingu
Generation: 1
Type: Water
Species: Fish Pokémon
Abilities: Swift Swim, Rattled (hidden ability)
Evolution: Magikarp > Gyarados
Magikarp is a medium-sized fish Pokémon with large, heavy reddish-orange scales. It has large, vacant eyes and pink lips. Its pectoral and tail fins are white, but it has a stiff, three-peaked fin on its back and stomach that are both yellow. It also has long barbels. The barbels are white on a female and tan on a male.
A long-lived Magikarp is able to utilize its immense splashing power to leap high enough to scale mountains. It also has a strong enough immune system to survive in the most polluted of waters. However, it is usually overlooked by Trainers because of its perceived weakness: even in the heat of battle it will do nothing but flop around. It is not a strong swimmer, and currents in the water will sweep it downstream. It is normally seen using its former signature move, Splash, to leap out of the water, which makes them easy targets to predators such as Pidgeotto. It is believed that the ancestors of Magikarp were actually much stronger than modern Magikarp, and this led scientists to research this species. Magikarp is found in many bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. However, due to its weak swimming ability it usually lives downstream of the water’s flow.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Red: In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Pokemon Blue: In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Pokemon Yellow: Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers and shallow puddles.
Pokemon Stadium: Whoever its opponent, and however horrible the attack it receives, all it does is Splash around.
Pokemon Gold: An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
Pokemon Silver: For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.
Pokemon Crystal: This weak and pathetic Pokémon gets easily pushed along rivers when there are strong currents.
Pokemon Stadium 2: An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
Pokemon 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.
Pokemon 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.
Pokemon 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.
Pokemon FireRed: It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
Pokemon LeafGreen: In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Pokemon Diamond: It is said to be the world’s weakest Pokémon. No one knows why it has managed to survive.
Pokemon Pearl: It is unable to swim against even slow-moving currents. It always splashes about for some reason.
Pokemon Platinum: A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
Pokemon HeartGold: An underpowered, pathetic Pokémon. It may jump high on rare occasions, but never more than seven feet.
Pokemon SoulSilver: For no reason, it jumps and splashes about, making it easy for predators like Pidgeotto to catch it mid-jump.
Pokemon Black: A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
Pokemon White: A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
Pokemon Black 2: A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
pokemon White 2: A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash. The move remains useless, though.
Pokemon X: It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world.
Pokemon Y: In the distant past, it was somewhat stronger than the horribly weak descendants that exist today.
Pokemon 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.
Pokemon 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.
Pokemon SUN: Although weak and helpless, this Pokémon is incredibly fertile. They exist in such multitudes, you’ll soon grow tired of seeing them.
Pokemon MOON: Its reckless leaps make it easy pickings for predators. On the bright side, many Pokémon enjoy longer life spans, thanks to Magikarp.
