Poliwag is based on a tadpole. The spiral pattern on its belly is supposed to represent how the intestines of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin.
Poliwag is a corruption of polliwog (outdated term for tadpole). Wag may refer to its long tail, although it is worth noting that polliwog literally means “head-wiggle.”
Nyoromo may be a combination of ニョロニョロ nyoronyoro (the sound of slithering) and 子供 kodomo (child).
No: 060
English Name: Poliwag
Japanese Name: Nyoromo
Generation: 1
Type: Water
Species: Tadpole Pokémon
Abilities: Damp, Water Absorb, Swift Swim (hidden ability)
Evolution: Poliwag > Poliwhirl > Poliwrath
Poliwag resembles a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which are actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl looks clearer after it eats, and the skin is very elastic so that it will not break if the Pokémon is bitten. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area, with the equator being thought to have an effect on this. It has newly developed legs that are poor at walking, and no arms. Its long, mostly transparent tail makes it a powerful swimmer. Because of its ineptitude on land, Poliwag is more likely to be found swimming in small freshwater ponds and lakes. In the anime, Poliwag feeds on salveyo weed, which can only be found on clear lake bottoms.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Red: Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand.
Pokemon Blue: Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming than trying to stand.
Pokemon Yellow: The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Pokemon Stadium: The spiral on its belly is its internal organs seen through its thin skin. It is better at swimming than walking.
Pokemon Gold: Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokemon Silver: The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Pokemon Crystal: The swirl on its belly is its insides showing through the skin. It looks clearer after it eats.
Pokemon Stadium 2: Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokemon Ruby: Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon’s spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Pokemon Sapphire: Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon’s spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Pokemon Emerald: It is possible to see this Pokémon’s spiral innards right through its thin skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Pokemon FireRed: Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
Pokemon LeafGreen: Its newly grown legs prevent it from walking well. It appears to prefer swimming over walking.
Pokemon Diamond: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokemon Pearl: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokemon Platinum: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokemon HeartGold: Because it is inept at walking on its newly grown legs, it always swims around in water.
Pokemon SoulSilver: The direction of its belly spiral differs by area. The equator is thought to have an effect on this.
Pokemon Black: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokemon White: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokemon Black 2: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
pokemon White 2: Its skin is so thin, its internal organs are visible. It has trouble walking on its newly grown feet.
Pokemon X: Its slick black skin is thin and damp. A part of its internal organs can be seen through the skin as a spiral pattern.
Pokemon Y: The direction of the spiral on the belly differs by area. It is more adept at swimming than walking.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon’s spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Poliwag has a very thin skin. It is possible to see the Pokémon’s spiral innards right through the skin. Despite its thinness, however, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it.
Pokemon SUN: The swirl on its belly is its internal organs showing through. If the swirl is tinged white, that means it’s affected by some disease.
Pokemon MOON: It’s still not very good at walking. Its Trainers should train this Pokémon to walk every day.
