The Strongest Ocean-Dwelling Pokemon in the Anime, Ranked

As it is one of the most common types in the Pokémon world, many Trainers are known to have at least one Water-type Pokémon on their team. In fact, some Trainers will even specialize in this type, with many well-known Water-type Trainers being Gym Leaders or Elite Four members. Meanwhile, in earlier Pokémon mainline games, having a Water-type, or at least a Pokémon that could learn Surf, was a necessary part of the team. After all, this sort of Pokémon was needed to progress through the game.

Though Water-type Pokémon are weak to Grass-types and Electric-types, they also have several strengths. Not only are they agile, but they are powerful against the Fire-type, Rock-type, and Ground-type. Water-type Pokémon can be found all over the Pokémon world, from freshwater lakes to oceans. However, several Pokémon, some of which are not even Water-types, live underneath the sea. Many of these Pokémon, Water-type or not, remain legends in their own right.

Lapras Is Calm and Compassionate

The Species Was Nearly Made Extinct Due To Hunting

Introduced in Generation I, Lapras has remained a relatively uncommon Pokémon, but was even rarer decades ago. Originally, in the very first games, the player could only receive a single Lapras in-game at Silph Co. in Saffron City. According to the Pokédex, Lapras was once in great danger of going extinct due to overhunting. Thankfully, the species is no longer in danger as humans have made efforts to protect the gentle Water/Ice-type.

Despite everything the species has gone through, Lapras are known to be compassionate and gentle. They are fond of ferrying people and even other Pokémon across the ocean, their beloved habitat. Due to their calm nature, Lapras is not usually one to fight, and would rather avoid battling at all costs. However, when fighting is necessary, Lapras showcases its vast movepool and excellent Defense statistics. Notable examples of such Lapras not only include Lorelei’s ace, but the Lapras used by Red in Pokémon Origins.

Walrein Has Well-Rounded Battle Statistics

A Walrein Will Sacrifice Its Life To Protect Its Herd

Two Pokemon Walrein together

Spheal, an adorable Ice/Water-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region, could originally only be found in Shoal Cave. Upon leveling up to level 32, Spheal will evolve into Sealeo, gaining greater power and defensive statistics. These statistics will increase even more upon reaching level 44, during which the Ice/Water-type will evolve into Walrein, the final form of Spheal. In the wild, Walrein act as leaders to hordes of Spheal and Sealeo, and will even fight at the cost of their own lives to save their loved ones.

Aside from its blue-and-gray fur, the Ice Break Pokémon is easily distinguished by its long tusks. These tusks, though they tend to fall off, are powerful enough to shatter floes of ice floating in the colder parts of Hoenn’s oceans. However, Walrein is not just a powerful offensive Pokémon; it remains a fantastic defensive fighter as well. The thick blubber that the Ice Break Pokémon has kept since birth has only grown stronger, allowing it to steel itself against a plethora of enemy attacks. These excellent battlers are not just seen with Team Aqua’s grunts, but with Trainers such as Katie, Rocky, and even Wallace.

Milotic Remains an Extremely Rare Pokémon

Milotic Has an Amazing Movepool

Milotic In The Pokemon Anime

In select areas of the Hoenn region, some are lucky enough to come across Feebas, the ragged-looking Fish Pokémon. Because of this Water-type Pokémon’s drab appearance, many Trainers do not wish to add one to their team. However, Trainers who decide to give the Fish Pokémon a chance will find themselves with a true treasure of an ally in the end. If traded with a Prism Scale, or if Feebas’ Beauty is raised to a high level, the Fish Pokémon will evolve into Milotic, a beautiful and powerful serpentine Pokémon.

Milotic is known as a gentle Pokémon, with the power to soothe negative emotions. However, it is also an amazing fighter, with great Speed and agility, as well as the ability to learn moves such as Alluring Voice and Breaking Swipe. Milotic is often associated with Wallace, as it is well-known as his ace Pokémon. However, the Tender Pokémon is also often seen with Cynthia, as one of many amazing members of her famous roster.

Sharpedo Debuted as Archie’s Ace Pokémon

Mega Sharpedo Was Revealed in Generation VI

Pokemon Alternate Sharpedo

Deep within the oceans of the Hoenn region, players can either fish or encounter wild Carvanha, ferocious piranha-like Pokémon. The Savage Pokémon usually live in groups, though when alone, these Water/Dark-type Pokémon can become rather meek. Upon evolving, however, these fierce fish Pokémon become truly fearless. Sharpedo is famous for being the “bully of the sea”, a true force of nature to be reckoned with thanks to its high Attack and Speed statistics.

Sharpedo is best known as the ace of Archie, the leader of Team Aqua of Hoenn. However, a formidable pod of Sharpedo acted as the species’ debut in the original anime; thankfully, Ash and his friends were able to gain their trust later on while traveling with Mr. Briney. Meanwhile, the anime has also showcased several powerful Sharpedo working with Trainers, such as Goh and Ludlow. A Mega Sharpedo controlled by Levi and Cherie was also seen in Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, two allies of the villainous Alva.

Gyarados Evolves From Humble Beginnings

A Wise Trainer Knows Never To Make Gyarados Angry

Gyarados In The Pokemon Anime

Found in lakes and oceans alike, Magikarp is one of the most common Pokémon in the world. However, because of its abysmal battle statistics and tendency to often work with the useless move Splash, many Trainers do not wish to have a Magikarp of their own. Despite these initial obstacles, many Trainers have been known to give Magikarp a chance, and their patience is rewarded. After gaining enough battle experience, Magikarp will evolve into Gyarados, a hot-tempered yet immensely powerful Water/Flying-type.

Though it is very weak against Electric-type Pokémon, Gyarados remains an excellent fighter due to its amazing Attack and agility, as well as its vast movepool. Aside from being the Pokémon Lysandre uses to Mega Evolve in the climax of Ash’s journey in Kalos, the Atrocious Pokémon has been seen with several heroic Trainers. One such example is Misty, who is able to overcome her fear of the species and even gains the ability to Mega Evolve her own Gyarados later in the original series. Meanwhile, the legendary Trainer Lance is shown with an exceptionally rare Shiny Gyarados, distinctive for its red scales.

Swampert Is a Legendary Starter From Hoenn

Mega Swampert Is Famous for Its Strength

The calm-natured Mudkip is a rather rare sight in the Hoenn region, though it has become famous for its role as the Water-type starter in the area. Mudkip and its evolutions are known to live in freshwater rivers and ponds, though they are also known to live in the ocean, as a good portion of the Hoenn region is made up of the sea. Prior to evolving, Mudkip is still a strong and resourceful Pokémon, using its fins to determine any changes in the atmosphere. Upon evolving into Marshtomp and then Swampert, its thoughtfulness and strength only increases.

Though a Swampert never traveled with Ash or his companions, many notable Mud Fish Pokémon have still been seen in the anime. One example lies with the trailer for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, in which May owns a Swampert capable of Mega Evolution. Meanwhile, in the animated series, Trainers including Morrison, Tommy and Tucker are shown battling with Ash. Even Wallace is shown to have a Swampert of his own, as he specializes in training Water-type Pokémon.

Many Remain Loyal Fans of Blastoise

The Very First Known Water-type Starter

Pokemon TCG launches Blastoise battle event

Though many starter Pokémon trios have debuted since Generation I, the very first starter trio appears to remain the most popular. Alongside Charmander and Bulbasaur, Squirtle is one of the famous faces of the Kanto region. The Tiny Turtle Pokemon has since appeared alongside Ash, Gary and May, just to name a few. However, there are also several Blastoise that have stood their ground against their opponents in the original Pokémon anime.

One example lies with Tierno’s Blastoise, who is later shown Mega Evolving into Mega Blastoise during battle. However, Gary’s Squirtle later evolved into Wartortle and then Blastoise, becoming a well-known member of his roster. The Shellfish Pokémon was also present during Gary and Ash’s match in “The Ties That Bind”. Following Gary’s decision to become a Pokémon Researcher, Blastoise is shown traveling with its Trainer and becoming stronger still.

Manaphy Is Much More Powerful Than It Appears

The Seafaring Pokémon Can Befriend Any Pokémon

Manaphy In The Pokemon Anime

According to the Pokédex, Manaphy was born somewhere at the bottom of the sea, and is searching far and wide for its true home. This little Mythical Pokémon is surrounded by mysteries, especially in regard to its bonds to other Pokémon. For some unknown region, Manaphy is the only Mythical Pokémon that can breed with other Pokémon. The offspring of Manaphy are Phione, a similar breed of Water-type Mythical Pokémon.

Manaphy has a leading role in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, where it forges an extraordinary bond with Pokemon Trainer May. The baby Manaphy, watched over by the heroes, soon grew into a great fighter in its own right, thanks to its signature move Heart Swap. With this ability, Manaphy was able to recruit several powerful Water-type Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre, to help it defeat Phantom. The fact that Kyogre, the embodiment of the sea, was summoned by Manaphy due to its power cannot be overlooked.

Lugia Lives Underwater Due to Its Immense Power

The Leader of the Three Legendary Birds

Lugia In The Pokemon Anime

The mascot of Pokémon Silver and Pokémon SoulSilver, Lugia has remained a staple of the franchise for generations. Despite not being a Water-type, Lugia still appears to have the ability to breathe underwater. The Diving Pokémon is famous for its powerful wings, which are so strong that even a slight wave can create great storms. In order to protect other creatures, Lugia usually rests at the bottom of the sea.

However, there have been times when Lugia is called upon to aid its home. A key example lies with Pokémon the Movie 2000, where it joins forces with Ash and his allies. After Pokémon collector Lawrence III has captured the three Legendary birds of Kanto, their guardian, Lugia, rises from the sea in order to calm them. The abilities of the Diving Pokémon are graceful and agile, and are especially noticed via Lugia’s signature Aeroblast attack.

Kyogre Has Nearly Destroyed Regions Before

Usually a Calm Pokémon Unless Angered

Aside from being the game mascot for Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Kyogre is also said to be the embodiment of the ocean. Eons ago, Kyogre battled against its eternal rival, Groudon, and nearly destroyed the Hoenn region due to its ability to create floods and storms. Thankfully, the Sky High Pokémon Rayquaza arrived when all seemed lost, and brought an end to the terrible battle. Since then, Kyogre sleeps at the bottom of the sea, either in the Cave of Origin or the Marine Cave.

Kyogre has been seen in several episodes, including “The Scuffle of Legends” and the Mega Evolution special miniseries. However, one of Kyogre’s most terrifying sequences was in the Pokémon Generations episode “The Cavern”, where, despite the warnings, Archie revives the Sea Basin Pokémon using the Blue Orb. Unfortunately, Archie ends up angering the great Water-type Pokémon, who has now transformed into Primal Kyogre. In the midst of generating an earth-shattering storm, the whale-like Pokémon also rushes at Team Aqua, ready for a fight.


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Pokémon


Release Date

1997 – 2023

Network

TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC

Directors

Shigeru Omachi, Koji Ogawa, Fumihiro Ueno, Hideki Hiroshima, Maki Kodaira, Makoto Ooga, Ayumi Moriyama, Keitaro Motonaga, Shigeru Ueda, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Minoru Ohara, Yoshitaka Makino, Kiyoshi Egami, Makoto Sokuza, Bjarne Heuser, Naoki Murata, Kenichi Nishida, Tomoe Makino, Masahiko Watanabe, Hiroaki Takagi, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Ryohei Horiuchi, Yoshihiro Oda, Hiromichi Matano

Writers

Junki Takegami, Atsuhiro Tomioka, Hideki Sonoda, Yukiyoshi Ôhashi, Yuka Miyata, Takeshi Shudo, Shouji Yonemura, Shinzo Fujita, Michihiro Tsuchiya, Deko Akao, Reiko Yoshida, Aya Matsui, Junichi Fujisaku


  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Rica Matsumoto

    Satoshi (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Ikue Otani

    Pikachu (voice)


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