horsea
Generation I · #0116 — Dragon Pokémon
Horsea, known in Japan as Tattu, is a Water-type Pokémon that has captured the hearts of trainers since Generation I. As the first form in a three-stage evolutionary line, Horsea serves as an accessible introduction to dragon-like aquatic Pokémon, eventually evolving into the formidable Seadra at level 32 and ultimately reaching its final form, Kingdra, when traded while holding a Dragon Scale. With a National Pokédex number of #116, Horsea represents an important milestone in the original 151 Pokémon, bridging the gap between early-game water-types and more powerful aquatic dragons. Despite its modest base stat total of 295, Horsea possesses surprising versatility with balanced Special Attack and Defense stats of 70 each, making it a viable choice for players seeking a unique water-type companion early in their journey.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
8.0kg
Category
Dragon Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
blob
Habitat
sea
Abilities
Doubles Speed during rain.
Strengthens critical hits to inflict 3× damage rather than 2×.
Prevents self destruct, explosion, and aftermath from working while the Pokémon is in battle.
Horsea Biology & Physical Characteristics
Horsea is a light blue, piscine Pokémon that bears a striking resemblance to an aquatic seahorse, featuring a distinctly elongated body perfectly adapted for life in the water. Standing only 0.4 meters tall and weighing a mere 8.0 kilograms, this diminutive creature possesses distinctive red eyes, a long tubular mouth designed for precision strikes, and three spike-like fins protruding from either side of its head. The creature's ridged belly and single dorsal fin display a cream coloration that contrasts beautifully with its primary light blue hue. Most notably, Horsea possesses a tightly curled tail that serves dual purposes—both as a critical balancing mechanism during normal locomotion and as an effective anchor when caught in treacherous ocean currents. The Pokédex notes that Horsea's big, developed fins move with remarkable rapidity, allowing it to swim backward while maintaining forward-facing orientation, a unique adaptation that grants it exceptional maneuverability in three-dimensional aquatic environments.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Horsea Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Horsea maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal breeding opportunities regardless of which individual a trainer encounters. Despite this equal distribution, Horsea exhibits fascinating reproductive dimorphism in behavior; Pokédex entries specifically note that male Horsea take primary responsibility for raising the numerous eggs produced annually, a reversal of typical mammalian reproduction patterns and a unique characteristic within the Pokémon world. This species belongs to the Water 1 and Dragon egg groups, making it compatible with a diverse array of other Pokémon for breeding purposes and allowing trainers to create hybrid offspring with varied movesets and abilities. The base happiness value of 70 indicates that Horsea naturally bonds well with trainers, responding positively to care and attention. With an egg hatch counter of 20 cycles, representing approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel required to hatch, Horsea eggs hatch relatively quickly compared to many other Pokémon, making it an accessible choice for trainers beginning their breeding endeavors.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
blue japan
tm02
red green japan
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
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
+506 more TMs/HMs
horsea's Evolution Chain
Horsea Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Horsea occupies the first position in a straightforward three-stage evolutionary line that exemplifies the dragon-type connection hinted at in its genus classification. Upon reaching level 32, Horsea evolves into Seadra, a more imposing Water-type that gains additional defensive capabilities and improved base stats across the board, with particularly notable increases in Attack and Speed. The evolutionary process grants Seadra a more menacing appearance with enhanced spinal ridges and fin development, reflecting its increased combat prowess. The final evolutionary stage requires a special item—a Dragon Scale—to be held during a trade, transforming Seadra into Kingdra, a dual Water and Dragon-type Pokémon of formidable strength. This unique evolutionary requirement creates an engaging gameplay moment and reflects the lore-based connection between Horsea's dragon-like heritage and its ultimate transformation. The evolution line demonstrates a clear progression in stats, with Kingdra achieving a significantly higher base stat total of 540, making the investment in training a Horsea from the early game particularly rewarding for dedicated trainers.
Where to Find
seafoam islands
kanto
+49 more
kanto sea route 20
kanto
+9 more
kanto sea route 19
kanto
+9 more
kanto sea route 21
kanto
+9 more
cinnabar island
kanto
+8 more
kanto route 11
kanto
+5 more
kanto route 10
kanto
+3 more
kanto route 12
kanto
+6 more
kanto route 13
kanto
+6 more
vermilion city
kanto
+3 more
whirl islands
johto
+41 more
hoenn route 132
hoenn
hoenn route 133
hoenn
hoenn route 134
hoenn
kanto route 24
kanto
+2 more
ss anne
kanto
+1 more
icefall cave
kanto
kindle road
kanto
+1 more
treasure beach
kanto
+1 more
bond bridge
kanto
+1 more
+21 more locations in other games
Horsea Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Horsea primarily inhabits coral reefs and islands throughout oceans with gentle currents, where it feeds on small insects and moss scraped from rocks along the seafloor. When sensing danger, this defensive Pokémon reflexively sprays either pressurized water or dense black ink from its tubular mouth, displaying particular precision when targeting flying insects above the water's surface. The Ruby version Pokédex entry reveals that Horsea anchors itself by wrapping its tail around rocks or coral to prevent being swept away by strong currents, demonstrating remarkable environmental awareness and adaptation. Remarkably, Horsea exhibits playful social behavior; in safe locations, they can be observed tangling their tails together with other members of their species. Perhaps most intriguingly, Horsea swims using dance-like motions that create whirlpools in their wake, and members of the species engage in competitive displays to determine who can generate the largest whirlpool. Additionally, the species exhibits unusual reproductive behavior where male Horsea, rather than females, take primary responsibility for raising the numerous eggs laid each year.
Pokedex Entries
Known to shoot down flying bugs with precision blasts of ink from the surface of the water.
If it senses any danger, it will vigorously spray water or a special type of ink from its mouth.
If attacked by a larger enemy, it quickly swims to safety by adeptly controlling its dorsal fin.
Its big, developed fins move rapidly, allowing it to swim backward while still facing forward.
When they're in a safe location, they can be seen playfully tangling their tails together.
HORSEA eats small insects and moss off of rocks. If the ocean current turns fast, this POKéMON anchors itself by wrapping its tail around rocks or coral to prevent being washed away.
If HORSEA senses danger, it will reflexively spray a dense black ink from its mouth and try to escape. This POKéMON swims by cleverly flapping the fins on its back.
By cleverly flicking the fins on its back side to side, it moves in any direction while facing forward. It spits ink to escape if it senses danger.
It maintains balance using its tail, which is wound up like a coil. It may spray ink from its mouth.
Known to shoot down flying bugs with precision blasts of ink from the surface of the water.
It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.
If attacked by a larger enemy, it quickly swims to safety by adeptly controlling its well-developed dorsal fin.
Its big, developed fins move rapidly, allowing it to swim backward while still facing forward.
It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.
It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.
Known to shoot down flying bugs with precision blasts of ink from the surface of the water.
It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.
Horsea eats small insects and moss off of rocks. If the ocean current turns fast, this Pokémon anchors itself by wrapping its tail around rocks or coral to prevent being washed away.
If Horsea senses danger, it will reflexively spray a dense black ink from its mouth and try to escape. This Pokémon swims by cleverly flapping the fin on its back.
If it senses any danger, it will vigorously spray water or a special type of ink from its mouth.
Horsea makes its home in oceans with gentle currents. If this Pokémon is under attack, it spits out pitch-black ink and escapes.
They swim with dance-like motions and cause whirlpools to form. Horsea compete to see which of them can generate the biggest whirlpool.
Horsea Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Horsea derives from the combination of 'horse' and 'sea,' directly referencing the Pokémon's seahorse-inspired design while emphasizing its aquatic nature. The Japanese name Tattu similarly echoes the sound of water ripples, creating a onomatopoetic connection to its oceanic habitat. Designer artistry is evident in Horsea's color palette, which employs light blue as the dominant hue to convey its water-type nature, complemented by cream-colored accents that highlight key anatomical features like the belly ridge and dorsal fin. The creature's facial design deliberately mimics a seahorse's characteristic tubular snout, which serves both aesthetic and functional purposes within its biology, allowing for the precise ink spray attacks described throughout the Pokédex entries. The three spike-like fins flanking each side of the head recall both decorative seahorse elements and provide visual interest to an otherwise streamlined body. The curled tail design draws inspiration from actual seahorse anatomy, where prehensile tails serve as anchoring mechanisms in turbulent water—a feature that translates directly into Horsea's behavioral adaptation to strong ocean currents.
Learnable Moves
Horsea can learn 72 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aurora beam | ice | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| clear smog | poison | Special | 50 | — | 15 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| 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 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| octazooka | water | Special | 65 | 85 | 10 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| smokescreen | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| splash | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
Horsea Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive play, Horsea occupies a niche role as a special attacking water-type with interesting ability combinations that can be leveraged in specific strategic scenarios. Its special attack and defense base stats of 70 each provide adequate coverage for intermediate-level play, though its low HP base stat of 30 and modest special defense of 25 create significant survivability challenges in serious competitive environments. The Swift Swim ability provides Horsea with a critical advantage in rain-based team compositions, doubling its already respectable speed stat of 60 to an effective 120, potentially allowing it to outspeed numerous common threats when weather conditions favor its strategy. The hidden ability Damp prevents opposing Pokémon from using self-destruct, explosion, and aftermath—a niche utility that proves valuable in specific matchups, particularly against Wailord or Dugtrio. Alternatively, the Sniper ability enhances critical hit damage from 2x to 3x, potentially turning Horsea into a dangerous glass cannon when paired with moves boasting high critical hit rates. However, Horsea's limited movepool and low offensive investment in physical attacks (base 40 attack) restrict its viability compared to more specialized water-types like Starmie or Lapras, making it a choice primarily suited for casual play and creative team-building exercises.
Commonly Asked Questions About Horsea
What type is Horsea?
Horsea is a water type Pokemon.
What does Horsea evolve into?
Horsea evolves into seadra, then into kingdra.
What are Horsea's weaknesses?
Horsea is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Horsea?
Horsea can be found in seafoam islands (kanto), kanto sea route 20 (kanto) and kanto sea route 19 (kanto) and 38 other locations.
Horsea Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Horsea achieved significant cultural prominence through its prominent role in the Pokémon anime series, most notably as the beloved companion of Misty Waterflower, one of Ash's earliest and most iconic traveling companions. Misty's Horsea became central to several memorable episodes, demonstrating remarkable intelligence, loyalty, and combat prowess that endeared the species to viewers worldwide. This anime exposure transformed Horsea from a simple Generation I water-type into a recognizable symbol of the franchise, featuring prominently in merchandise, trading card game expansions, and fan communities. The Pokémon Trading Card Game has featured numerous Horsea cards throughout its history, from basic Stage 1 evolutions to holographic rare variants that collectors actively seek. Horsea's design has influenced subsequent seahorse-inspired Pokémon designs, establishing an aesthetic template that appears in later generations. The species' combination of delicate beauty and combat capability resonated with players seeking Pokémon that challenged traditional notions of strength, proving that smaller, more elegant creatures could compete effectively in trainer battles. This cultural resonance extended Horsea's appeal beyond the core games into various Pokémon media properties, ensuring its status as a beloved classic.
Where to Find Horsea in Every Pokémon Game
Horsea's availability has remained consistently strong throughout the Pokémon game franchise, appearing in most major title releases since Generation I. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, Horsea appeared as Pokédex #116 in the Kanto region, with relatively straightforward capture opportunities in various water routes. Subsequent generations maintained Horsea's accessibility, with appearances in Gold/Silver/Crystal (#186 in Johto), Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (#184 in Hoenn), FireRed/LeafGreen, HeartGold/SoulSilver, and numerous other titles including X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, and the modern Pokémon Sword and Shield expansions. The species' capture rate of 225 is considered quite favorable, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful capture with standard Poké Balls even at full health, making Horsea an excellent early-game addition to trainers' rosters. With a medium growth rate and base happiness of 70, Horsea levels at a reasonable pace and bonds quickly with dedicated trainers, encouraging players to invest in its development from the early game stages onward. This consistent availability across generations, combined with its relative ease of capture and training, has cemented Horsea's position as one of the most accessible water-type Pokémon for players of all experience levels.