frillish
Generation V · #0592 — Floating Pokémon
Frillish, known in Japan as Pururill, is a Water- and Ghost-type Pokémon that first appeared in Generation V, earning the classification of Floating Pokémon. With a National Pokédex number of #592, Frillish occupies a unique ecological niche as a deep-sea dwelling creature, inhabiting the hadopelagic zones approximately five miles beneath the ocean's surface. This dual typing grants it interesting defensive properties, making it resistant to Water-, Ice-, Poison-, and Bug-type moves while vulnerable to Electric-, Grass-, Ghost-, and Dark-type attacks. As a base-stage Pokémon with moderate stats totaling 335, Frillish serves as the foundation for evolution into the more powerful Jellicent upon reaching level 40, making it an important stepping stone in any trainer's deep-sea-themed team.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
33.0kg
Category
Floating Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
white
Shape
tentacles
Abilities
Absorbs water moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Has a 30% chance of Disabling any move that hits the Pokémon.
Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
Frillish Biology & Physical Characteristics
Frillish presents one of the Pokémon world's most fascinating examples of sexual dimorphism. Both males and females possess a round, crown-like head adorned with a tuft of appendages—two function as delicate, veil-like arms while three serve as the lower body. Despite their shared jellyfish-like appearance, the differences are striking: male Frillish display blue coloration with smooth appendages, triangular crowns, red eyes with blue sclerae, and a distinctly serious expression with a wavy collar, while female Frillish showcase pink hues, wavy appendages, rounded crowns, blue eyes with red sclerae, and a perpetually cheerful smile with frilled collars. The most insidious feature of both variants is the presence of invisible poison spikes distributed across their appendages—according to the Sword Pokédex entry, females possess slightly longer stingers than their male counterparts, containing tens of thousands of poisonous barbs. These adaptations allow Frillish to thrive in the crushing darkness and extreme pressure of the deep ocean, where few other Pokémon can survive.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Frillish Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Frillish maintains a balanced gender ratio of exactly 50% male to 50% female, making it equally likely to encounter or breed either form. Both genders belong to the Amorphous egg group, a classification shared with other gelatinous or amorphous Pokémon such as Ditto, Grimer, and Chansey, allowing for diverse breeding combinations. The species exhibits a medium growth rate and possesses a base friendship value of 70 (adjusted to 50 in Generation VIII onward), making it reasonably affectionate toward its trainer from the moment of capture or hatching. With a hatch counter of 20 cycles, Frillish eggs require approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps to hatch, making them moderately quick to develop compared to legendaries or pseudo-legendaries. The sexual dimorphism extends naturally through the breeding mechanics, with offspring inheriting their gender and corresponding visual characteristics from the genetic makeup determined at conception.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
+642 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
frillish's Evolution Chain
Frillish Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Frillish undergoes a straightforward evolution into Jellicent when it reaches level 40, shedding its larval form for a larger, more regal appearance. This evolution represents both a physical and statistical transformation, with Jellicent gaining significant boosts to its HP, Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats while maintaining the superior Special Defense that Frillish already possesses. The evolution also refines Frillish's veil-like appendages into a more dignified crown-like structure, with female Jellicent becoming particularly ornate and majestic. This evolutionary line lacks Mega Evolution or regional variants, remaining consistent across all modern Pokémon games, which emphasizes the timeless and archetypal nature of this deep-sea species.
Where to Find
unova route 17
unova
+17 more
unova route 18
unova
+17 more
p2 laboratory
unova
+17 more
driftveil city
unova
+7 more
unova route 4
unova
+17 more
unova route 21
unova
+3 more
unova route 13
unova
+3 more
seaside cave
unova
+5 more
virbank city
unova
+7 more
undella town
unova
+3 more
humilau city
unova
+3 more
virbank complex
unova
+7 more
undella bay
unova
+3 more
alola route 14
alola
+3 more
Frillish Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Living in deep-sea dens approximately five miles below the ocean surface, Frillish has evolved remarkable hunting behaviors suited to its isolated environment. Rather than actively pursuing prey, it gently floats in ocean currents with its veil-like arms extended, waiting for unsuspecting fish to swim within striking distance. Once prey draws near, Frillish uses its invisible poison spikes to paralyze victims before wrapping its ethereal arms around them and dragging them down to its lightless lair. The Pokédex entries paint a haunting picture of this predator: it wraps its thin, veil-like arms around opponents' bodies and sinks to the ocean floor, or paralyzes prey and drags them down to depths from which they never return. According to legend preserved in the Shield Pokédex, Frillish may not be natural creations at all—the residents of a sunken ancient city are said to have transformed into these mysterious creatures, suggesting a supernatural origin that aligns with its Ghost-type classification.
Pokedex Entries
With its thin, veil-like arms wrapped around the body of its opponent, it sinks to the ocean floor.
If its veil-like arms stun and wrap a foe, that foe will be dragged miles below the surface, never to return.
They paralyze prey with poison, then drag them down to their lairs, five miles below the surface.
They paralyze prey with poison, then drag them down to their lairs, five miles below the surface.
If its veil-like arms stun and wrap a foe, that foe will be dragged miles below the surface, never to return.
They paralyze prey with poison, then drag them down to their lairs, five miles below the surface.
If its veil-like arms stun and wrap a foe, that foe will be dragged miles below the surface, never to return.
It wraps its veillike arms and legs around prey swimming by and drags them down to the depths of the ocean.
Using the invisible poison spikes on its veillike arms and legs, it paralyzes its enemies and causes them to drown.
It envelops its prey in its veillike arms and draws it down to the deeps, five miles below the ocean’s surface.
Legend has it that the residents of a sunken ancient city changed into these Pokémon.
Frillish Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Frillish derives from 'frill,' referencing the creature's distinctive frilled collar and veil-like appendages, combined with the common fish suffix '-ish,' though the Pokémon itself is more closely related to jellyfish than traditional fish. The Japanese name Pururill (プルリル) similarly emphasizes the flowing, undulating nature of its form. The design philosophy clearly draws inspiration from jellyfish, particularly the ethereal appearance of deep-sea jellyfish species, with the royal theming evident in its crown-like head tuft and regal bearing. The gender dimorphism in its design—with males appearing more stern and formal while females appear more graceful and welcoming—creates a compelling visual narrative that extends beyond mere aesthetic differences into behavioral characterization. Interestingly, the creature embodies the mysterious elegance of deep-sea life, combining beautiful flowing forms with genuinely menacing abilities, creating a creature that appears delicate yet dangerous.
Learnable Moves
Frillish can learn 71 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| acid armor | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| constrict | normal | Physical | 10 | 100 | 35 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| poison sting | poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| poltergeist | ghost | Physical | 110 | 90 | 5 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| recover | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| strength sap | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| water spout | water | Special | 150 | 100 | 5 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| wring out | normal | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
Frillish Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Frillish functions primarily as a specially defensive wall with moderate offensive capabilities, boasting a respectable Special Defense base stat of 85 against middling Special Attack and Speed stats of 65 and 40 respectively. Its Water/Ghost typing provides useful immunities to Normal and Fighting-type moves while resisting Water, Ice, Poison, and Bug attacks, though its weakness to Electric, Grass, Ghost, and Dark moves requires careful team positioning. The three available abilities each serve distinct strategic purposes: Water Absorb allows Frillish to heal for 25% of its maximum HP when struck by Water-type moves, punishing common Water-type switch-ins; Cursed Body provides a 30% chance to disable any move that damages Frillish, creating unpredictable defensive scenarios; and the hidden ability Damp prevents self-destruct and explosion moves, useful for avoiding unexpected sweeps from Pokémon relying on sacrificial mechanics. Most competitive trainers recommend evolving Frillish into Jellicent at level 40 rather than using the base form, as Jellicent's superior stats provide better immediate impact in high-level play, though Frillish's Water Absorb ability remains valuable in the right matchups.
Commonly Asked Questions About Frillish
What type is Frillish?
Frillish is a water and ghost type Pokemon.
What does Frillish evolve into?
Frillish evolves into jellicent.
What are Frillish's weaknesses?
Frillish is weak to ghost, grass, electric and dark type moves.
Where can I find Frillish?
Frillish can be found in unova route 17 (unova), unova route 18 (unova) and p2 laboratory (unova) and 11 other locations.
Frillish Cultural Impact & Franchise History
While Frillish never achieved the mainstream recognition of franchise icons like Pikachu or Charizard, it holds special significance within Generation V's cultural legacy as an innovative example of Ghost-type Pokémon design. The species garnered particular attention through its appearance in the animated series, most notably as the Pokémon partnered with Team Rocket's Jessie, who captured and trained a female Frillish during her adventures in Unova. This exposure introduced casual anime viewers to the species' unique mechanics and lore, with the character's bond with her Frillish demonstrating the creature's capacity for companionship despite its deep-sea predatory nature. The intricate sexual dimorphism also sparked fan communities dedicated to appreciating the design distinctions, establishing Frillish as a notable example of how Pokémon design could convey gender identity through visual differences that felt organic rather than superficial. The haunting Pokédex entries describing its abyssal habitat and hunting methods have inspired fan fiction and creative interpretations exploring the darker, more mysterious aspects of the Pokémon world.
Where to Find Frillish in Every Pokémon Game
Frillish's availability varies significantly depending on the specific Pokémon game and version. The species was originally introduced in Pokémon Black and White, where it appeared as a relatively common encounter in various water routes. In Black 2 and White 2, Frillish maintained a strong presence in aquatic environments with updated Pokédex entries. Subsequent generations continued to feature Frillish in their water-based locations, though with varying encounter rates—it appeared in the coastal areas of X and Y, the deep-sea routes of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and in Alola's waters in Sun and Moon. In more recent releases, Sword and Shield included Frillish in their base game waters, with the Isle of Armor DLC providing additional locations for encountering the species. Players can also obtain Frillish through breeding if they already possess a Jellicent or catch one in the wild, providing flexibility for team construction. The creature maintains a respectable catch rate of 190 (approximately 24.8% with a standard Poké Ball at full health), making it moderately challenging but reasonable to capture without requiring specialized techniques or items.