goldeen
Generation I · #0118 — Goldfish Pokémon
Goldeen, known as the Goldfish Pokémon and bearing the National Pokédex number #118, is a Water-type Pokémon that has captivated trainers since Generation I with its elegant appearance and deceptive temperament. Despite its graceful demeanor, Goldeen possesses a wild nature that belies its beautiful exterior, earning it the nickname "the Water Queen" due to its billowing tail fin that resembles an elegant ballroom dress. This Pokémon represents one of the most striking contradictions in the Pokémon world—a creature of serene beauty coupled with aggressive determination, as evidenced by its powerful horn and combative disposition. With a base stat total of 320 and solid Attack and Speed stats of 67 and 63 respectively, Goldeen serves as a capable Water-type option for early-game trainers, though its relatively low Special Attack of 35 and HP of 45 limit its viability in competitive play at higher levels.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
15.0kg
Category
Goldfish Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
red
Shape
fish
Habitat
waters-edge
Abilities
Doubles Speed during rain.
Prevents burns.
Redirects single-target electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Absorbs Electric moves, raising Special Attack one stage.
Goldeen Biology & Physical Characteristics
Goldeen is a piscine Pokémon characterized by its predominantly white coloration contrasted with vibrant orange markings that highlight its most distinctive features. The species possesses a large horn on its forehead that is noticeably larger in males than females, serving both as a weapon and a status symbol within their communities. Its most celebrated feature is undoubtedly its expansive tail fin, which is orange at the base and transitions to white toward the edges, creating the aforementioned ballroom dress appearance that has earned it widespread admiration. The creature's dorsal fin is small and wavy, surrounded by an orange patch, while its pectoral fins are elongated with orange markings at their bases, all of which move with remarkable grace through water. Goldeen's facial features include prominent circular blue eyes with orange lids and distinctively pink lips that give it an almost regal appearance. However, beneath this beautiful exterior lies a fierce temperament—Goldeen will ram with considerable force and will even shatter aquarium glass with its horn in attempts to escape captivity, demonstrating that its beauty should never be mistaken for docility.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Goldeen Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Goldeen maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, allowing for straightforward breeding without complications related to gender scarcity. Notably, the species exhibits sexual dimorphism in the form of the horn on its forehead, which is considerably larger and more prominent in males than in females, providing a clear visual distinction between genders that trainers can easily recognize. This sexual dimorphism likely correlates with Goldeen's competitive behavior among males, where horn size functions as both a display of dominance and a determining factor in breeding success within their communities. Female Goldeen, while possessing smaller horns, are equally capable swimmers and combatants, demonstrating that gender does not significantly impact individual strength or viability in battle. The species belongs to the Water 2 egg group, which includes various Water-type Pokémon that share similar breeding compatibility, expanding the pool of potential Pokémon with which Goldeen can breed. Goldeen's egg hatches relatively quickly, requiring only 20 cycles to develop, with hatchlings typically emerging with base happiness of 70, indicating that the species has relatively positive temperament toward their trainers despite their wild nature. Breeding Goldeen with compatible partners can produce competitive offspring with optimized natures and IVs, though trainers should note that the species' modest stat total means even carefully bred individuals may struggle in higher-tier competitive environments.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
mystic-water
type-enhancement
Held: Water-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
red blue
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
+521 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
Goldeen Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Goldeen undergoes a straightforward single-stage evolution into Seaking upon reaching level 33, a transformation that represents a significant power increase across most of its statistical categories. While Goldeen itself serves as an effective early-game Water-type with decent physical Attack and Speed, its evolution into Seaking dramatically improves its survivability and offensive capabilities, particularly in Special Attack and overall bulk. The evolution line lacks any Mega Evolution forms or alternate evolutionary paths, maintaining a linear progression that has remained consistent since Generation I. This singular evolutionary path reflects Goldeen's role as a foundational Water-type Pokémon, with the Seaking evolution serving as the culmination of its development rather than branching into multiple possibilities. For trainers seeking to maximize Goldeen's potential, evolution at level 33 is recommended to access Seaking's superior stat distribution and expanded move pool, though Goldeen itself remains a viable choice for players preferring its lighter frame and slightly higher Speed stat.
Where to Find
kanto route 10
kanto
+34 more
kanto route 23
kanto
+2 more
kanto route 24
kanto
+41 more
seafoam islands
kanto
+7 more
kanto sea route 20
kanto
+2 more
celadon city
kanto
+4 more
fuchsia city
kanto
+8 more
vermilion city
kanto
+2 more
kanto route 11
kanto
viridian city
kanto
+2 more
kanto route 18
kanto
+4 more
cerulean cave
kanto
+9 more
kanto route 25
kanto
+40 more
kanto route 22
kanto
+8 more
kanto route 12
kanto
+4 more
kanto safari zone
kanto
+25 more
kanto route 6
kanto
+6 more
kanto route 17
kanto
+4 more
kanto sea route 21
kanto
+2 more
cinnabar island
kanto
+2 more
+43 more locations in other games
Goldeen Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Goldeen is an abundant sight in freshwater environments throughout the world, thriving in ponds, lakes, and rivers where it displays a wild, free-spirited nature. The species is particularly renowned for its impressive swimming capabilities, maintaining a steady speed of five knots while swimming upstream through fast-flowing rivers, demonstrating remarkable endurance and power despite its elegant appearance. During spawning season in spring, large schools of Goldeen can be observed swimming upstream together, with the Pokédex noting that they search gracefully for their perfect mates during this period, suggesting complex social and reproductive behaviors. The species is intensely competitive among its own kind, with males engaging in contests to determine which possesses the strongest and thickest horn—a trait that appears to factor heavily into their social hierarchies and breeding success. Humans swimming near Goldeen must exercise considerable caution, as the Pokémon will not hesitate to ram unsuspecting swimmers with its horn, and its combative instincts make it a dangerous presence in shared aquatic spaces. The creature's powerful fins enable it to navigate challenging water conditions with ease, making it supremely adapted to rapid streams and dynamic freshwater ecosystems.
Pokedex Entries
Its tail fin billows like an elegant ballroom dress, giving it the nickname of the Water Queen.
When it is time for them to lay eggs, they can be seen swimming up rivers and falls in large groups.
Its dorsal, pecto ral and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the water dancer.
A strong swimmer, it is capable of swimming nonstop up fast streams at a steady speed of five knots.
During spawning season, they swim gracefully in the water, searching for their perfect mate.
GOLDEEN is a very beautiful POKéMON with fins that billow elegantly in water. However, don’t let your guard down around this POKéMON - it could ram you powerfully with its horn.
GOLDEEN loves swimming wild and free in rivers and ponds. If one of these POKéMON is placed in an aquarium, it will shatter even the thickest glass with one ram of its horn and make its escape.
In the springtime, schools of GOLDEEN can be seen swimming up falls and rivers. It metes out staggering damage with its single horn.
Its dorsal and pectoral fins are strongly developed like muscles. It can swim at a speed of five knots.
Its tail fin billows like an elegant ballroom dress, giving it the nickname of “The Water Queen.”
It swims elegantly by flittering its tail fin as if it were a dress. It has the look of a queen.
It swims at a steady 5 knots. If it senses danger, it will strike back with its sharp horn.
Though it appears very elegant when swimming with fins unfurled, it can jab powerfully with its horn.
Its dorsal, pectoral and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the water dancer.
A strong swimmer, it is capable of swimming nonstop up fast streams at a steady speed of five knots per hour.
Though it appears very elegant when swimming with fins unfurled, it can jab powerfully with its horn.
Though it appears very elegant when swimming with fins unfurled, it can jab powerfully with its horn.
It swims at a steady 5 knots. If it senses danger, it will strike back with its sharp horn.
Its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the water dancer.
Goldeen is a very beautiful Pokémon with fins that billow elegantly in water. However, don’t let your guard down around this Pokémon—it could ram you powerfully with its horn.
Goldeen loves swimming wild and free in rivers and ponds. If one of these Pokémon is placed in an aquarium, it will shatter even the thickest glass with one ram of its horn and make its escape.
When the weather grows warm, they form groups and swim upriver. This sight serves as a poetic reminder that spring has arrived.
Although known for their splendid tail fins, Goldeen apparently compete among themselves to see whose horn is thickest and sharpest.
Spellbound by the length of its horn and the beauty of its fins, many strange Trainers raise Goldeen and nothing but Goldeen.
The way it swims along fluttering its dress-like fins has earned it the name “princess of the water.”
When it is time for them to lay eggs, they can be seen swimming up rivers and falls in large groups.
Its dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins wave elegantly in water. That is why it is known as the Water Dancer.
Its dorsal and pectoral fins are strongly developed like muscles. It can swim at a speed of five knots.
Goldeen Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Goldeen's name derives from a straightforward combination of "gold" and "queen," reflecting both the species' precious coloration and its regal bearing despite its aggressive nature. The Japanese name "Tosakinto" (土佐金魚) combines "Tosa," a historical region of Japan known for producing ornamental goldfish varieties, with "kinto" (金魚), the Japanese word for goldfish, establishing a clear connection to real-world aquatic inspiration. The species' design itself is rooted in the aesthetic of fancy goldfish breeds, particularly those with flowing, elaborate fins similar to the ranchu and ryukin varieties prized in Japanese aquaculture traditions. The prominent horn is a creative embellishment not found in actual goldfish, serving to emphasize Goldeen's aggressive temperament and provide it with a distinctive weapon that separates it from ordinary piscine creatures. This horn design element may also draw inspiration from mythological creatures like the qilin or other horned fish from East Asian folklore, lending Goldeen an air of mystical dignity that complements its elegant fins. The striking orange and white coloration scheme echoes traditional kohaku koi patterns, further reinforcing the Pokémon's connection to ornamental fish breeding while making it immediately recognizable and visually appealing to trainers encountering it in freshwater environments.
Learnable Moves
Goldeen can learn 75 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acupressure | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill run | ground | Physical | 80 | 95 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| horn drill | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| megahorn | bug | Physical | 120 | 85 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud sport | ground | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| scale shot | dragon | Physical | 25 | 90 | 20 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smart strike | steel | Physical | 70 | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| soak | water | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
Goldeen Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Goldeen occupies a limited niche due to its relatively low base stat total of 320 and poor special attack stat of 35, which restricts its effectiveness primarily to physical attacking roles. Its Attack stat of 67 is decent but unremarkable for competitive play, and its Speed of 63 places it in a middling tier where it struggles to outpace significant threats while simultaneously failing to bulk out effectively with its modest defenses of 60 Defense and 50 Special Defense. Goldeen's true competitive advantage lies in its ability Swift Swim, which doubles its Speed during rain, potentially enabling a rain-based team strategy where it can outpace normally faster opponents and unleash a fast physical attack. The hidden ability Lightning Rod offers an alternative approach, redirecting single-target Electric moves and raising Special Attack by one stage upon absorption, though this remains situational given Goldeen's limited movepool for exploiting Special Attack boosts. Water Veil, Goldeen's second standard ability, is generally inferior to Swift Swim in competitive contexts, merely preventing burns without providing significant offensive or defensive benefits. Most competitive players choose to evolve Goldeen to Seaking at level 33, as the evolved form provides superior stats across nearly all categories, making it the more viable option for serious tournament play. Goldeen is primarily confined to casual play, lower-tier competitive formats, or rain-based team novelty builds, where its Speed-doubling ability under rain conditions can occasionally provide unexpected momentum shifts.
Commonly Asked Questions About Goldeen
What type is Goldeen?
Goldeen is a water type Pokemon.
What does Goldeen evolve into?
Goldeen evolves into seaking.
What are Goldeen's weaknesses?
Goldeen is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Goldeen?
Goldeen can be found in kanto route 10 (kanto), kanto route 23 (kanto) and kanto route 24 (kanto) and 60 other locations.
Goldeen Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Goldeen achieved notable cultural prominence through its appearance in the animated series, where Misty's Goldeen became one of her signature Pokémon and a recurring character throughout multiple seasons and story arcs. The elegant Water-type has been featured in numerous Pokémon Trading Card Game releases since the earliest sets, often depicted in artwork that emphasizes its graceful fins and regal bearing, making it a favorite subject for artists within the TCG community. Beyond the core animated series and card game, Goldeen has appeared in Super Smash Bros. video game franchises, receiving trophy representations that highlight its status within the broader Pokémon cultural landscape. The species has become emblematic of freshwater Pokémon ecosystems in the broader franchise narrative, frequently appearing in games, media, and merchandise to represent the natural beauty and hidden dangers of river and pond environments. Goldeen's contradictory nature—beautiful yet aggressive—has made it a thematic representation of the Pokémon franchise's recurring message that appearances can be deceiving and that even seemingly docile creatures possess hidden strength. The species enjoys steady popularity among fans who appreciate its elegant design and competitive competitive spirit, leading to consistent inclusion in regional Pokédexes and availability across most Pokémon games. Its cultural significance extends to merchandise, with Goldeen appearing on various official products ranging from plushies to apparel, reflecting its enduring appeal to both casual fans and longtime enthusiasts of the franchise.
Where to Find Goldeen in Every Pokémon Game
Goldeen enjoys exceptionally wide availability across the Pokémon game franchise, appearing in nearly every generation since its introduction in Generation I as a foundational Water-type option. In the earliest games—Red, Blue, and Yellow versions—Goldeen appears as National Pokédex entry #118 and can be encountered in various water-based environments throughout Kanto. The species maintains consistent availability in subsequent generations, appearing in Gold/Silver/Crystal (Johto Pokédex #78), Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (Hoenn Pokédex #50), FireRed/LeafGreen (Kanto Pokédex #118), Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (Sinnoh Pokédex #78), and HeartGold/SoulSilver (Johto Pokédex #78) among many others. In modern generations, Goldeen appears in X/Y as Kalos Pokédex #53 (Central), Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire as Hoenn Pokédex #51, Sun/Moon as Alola Pokédex #153, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon as Alola Pokédex #186, Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee as Kanto Pokédex #118, Sword/Shield as Galar Pokédex #146, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl as Sinnoh Pokédex #78, and The Isle of Armor DLC as Pokédex #94. The species can typically be encountered in rivers, ponds, and lakes within each respective region, making it one of the most commonly available Water-types for players seeking a freshwater Pokémon companion early in their journey. Its high catch rate of 225 makes capturing Goldeen relatively simple, and its moderate experience yield ensures efficient leveling for team development.