nidoran-m #32
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
nidoran-m
Generation I · #0032 — Poison Pin Pokémon
Nidoran♂, known as the Poison Pin Pokémon, is a small but formidable Poison-type creature that debuted in Generation I. As National Pokédex entry #32, Nidoran♂ represents the male counterpart to Nidoran♀, forming a unique gender-based evolutionary split within the Pokémon franchise. Despite its diminutive stature of just 0.5 meters and weight of 9.0 kilograms, this pint-sized Pokémon packs genuine threat potential with its venomous horn and spiky physiology. The species serves as an excellent early-game capture for trainers, with a favorable catch rate of 235 and reasonable base experience yield, making it a popular choice for those beginning their journey through the Kanto region and beyond.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
9.0kg
Category
Poison Pin Pokémon
Gender
100% Male
Color
purple
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Has a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact.
Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
Strengthens physical moves to inflict 1.5× damage, but decreases their accuracy to 0.8×.
Nidoran-m Biology & Physical Characteristics
Nidoran♂ is a quadrupedal mammalian Pokémon with a distinctive pinkish-purple coloration marked by darker patches across its body. Its most striking features are its large, spiny ears with teal-colored insides, which contain specialized musculature allowing unprecedented directional movement—these ears can be manipulated independently in virtually any direction, giving Nidoran♂ exceptional auditory awareness. Three rows of toxic spines run along its back, with the central row notably taller than the flanking rows, and a prominent horn adorns its forehead that serves as both a weapon and an indicator of venom potency. According to multiple Pokédex entries, particularly those from the Ruby and Sapphire generations, the muscles controlling Nidoran♂'s ears have evolved specifically to support these movements, allowing the creature to detect even the faintest sounds from considerable distances. Its oversized front teeth and blood-red eyes complete an appearance designed for both aggressive offense and sensitive perception, creating a creature built for survival through vigilance and swift retaliation.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Nidoran-m Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Nidoran♂ occupies a truly unique niche within the Pokémon breeding ecosystem as a completely male-only species with a 100% male to 0% female gender ratio. This genetic constraint means that Nidoran♂ cannot breed with other Nidoran♂ specimens under normal circumstances; instead, breeding Nidoran♂ with Ditto represents the primary mechanism for generating offspring. However, beginning in Generation V, a significant breeding mechanic was introduced that allows Nidoran♂ bred with Ditto to produce eggs containing either Nidoran♂ or Nidoran♀ offspring, creating an interesting crossover between the two evolutionary lines. This mechanic effectively serves as the primary method for trainers wishing to obtain Nidoran♀ without relying on wild captures, as the two species occupy largely separate evolutionary tracks despite their obvious design parallels. The species' classification within the Monster and Field egg groups suggests its mammalian nature and terrestrial origins, and its base friendship value of 70 indicates moderate receptiveness to trainer bonding. The breeding system creates an interesting asymmetry where Nidoran♂ is more freely available in the wild and easier to acquire early in games, yet its reproductive role becomes essential for accessing the female line, adding a layer of strategic consideration for dedicated breeders.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
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
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
+618 more TMs/HMs
Evolution Chain
Nidoran-m Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Nidoran♂ follows a straightforward three-stage evolutionary line, representing one of the clearer progression paths available to early-game Poison-type specialists. At level 16, Nidoran♂ evolves into Nidorino, a more muscular and physically imposing form that retains the Poison typing while gaining a modest increase across all base stats. The final evolution occurs when Nidorino is exposed to a Moon Stone, transforming into Nidoking, a powerful Poison- and Ground-type Pokémon that gains significantly in both physical attack prowess and overall competitive viability. This evolutionary trajectory represents a dramatic power increase; while Nidoran♂'s base stats total only 273 with modest individual spreads across the board, Nidoking reaches a base stat total of 540, with particular emphasis on Attack and Special Attack. The Moon Stone requirement for the final evolution distinguishes this line from many other early-generation Pokémon and makes strategic sense thematically, as Nidoking gains Ground typing to reflect its more terrestrial, burrowing nature. Trainers who commit to raising Nidoran♂ from its earliest stages are rewarded with a formidable wall-breaker and special attacker in its final form, making it a worthwhile investment despite humble beginnings.
Where to Find
kanto safari zone
kanto
+19 more
kanto route 22
kanto
+11 more
kanto route 2
kanto
kanto route 9
kanto
+1 more
kanto route 10
kanto
johto route 35
johto
+12 more
johto route 36
johto
+9 more
national park
johto
kanto route 3
kanto
sinnoh route 201
sinnoh
+3 more
kanto route 23
kanto
Nidoran-m Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Nidoran♂ is characterized by an alert and defensive temperament, constantly moving its large ears to detect approaching danger with remarkable sensitivity. The Pokédex consistently describes how this species stiffens its ears to sense threats and will attack without hesitation when danger is perceived, often striking first before an opponent can react. Remarkably, Nidoran♂ displays unusual bravery and protective instinct, willing to risk its own life to defend Nidoran♀ from harm—a behavioral trait that underscores the species' territorial and social nature. When angered or threatened, Nidoran♂ extends its toxic spines fully and charges directly at adversaries, using its horn as a primary stabbing weapon to inject poison into targets. The species inhabits areas where it can maintain ground-level awareness, and its pairing with the Field and Monster egg groups suggests it thrives in grasslands and terrestrial environments. Nidoran♂'s hunting and defensive strategy relies entirely on its superior hearing and aggressive response capability, making it an active predator despite its small frame.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
Stiffens its ears to sense danger. The larger its horns, the more powerful its secreted venom.
Its large ears are always kept upright. If it senses danger, it will attack with a poisonous sting.
Generation II
It is small, but its horn is filled with poison. It charges then stabs with the horn to inject poison.
It raises its big ears to check its surroundings. It will strike first if it senses any danger.
It constantly moves its large ears in many directions in order to detect danger right away.
Generation III
The male NIDORAN has developed muscles for moving its ears. Thanks to them, the ears can be freely moved in any direction. Even the slightest sound does not escape this POKéMON’s notice.
The male NIDORAN has developed muscles that freely move its ears in any direction. Even the slightest sound does not escape this POKéMON’s notice.
Its large ears are flapped like wings when it is listening to distant sounds. It extends toxic barbs when angered.
It stiffens its ears to sense danger. The larger its horns, the more powerful its secreted venom.
Generation IV
It scans its surroundings by raising its ears out of the grass. Its toxic horn is for protection.
It is small, but its horn is filled with poison. It charges then stabs with the horn to inject poison.
It raises its big ears to check its surroundings. It will strike first if it senses any danger.
Generation V
It scans its surroundings by raising its ears out of the grass. Its toxic horn is for protection.
It scans its surroundings by raising its ears out of the grass. Its toxic horn is for protection.
Generation VI
It scans its surroundings by raising its ears out of the grass. Its toxic horn is for protection.
Its large ears are flapped like wings when it is listening to distant sounds. It extends toxic barbs when angered.
Nidoran♂ has developed muscles for moving its ears. Thanks to them, the ears can be freely moved in any direction. Even the slightest sound does not escape this Pokémon’s notice.
Generation VII
Its large ears are always kept upright. If it senses danger, it will attack with a poisonous sting.
Generation VIII
The horn on a male Nidoran’s forehead contains a powerful poison. This is a very cautious Pokémon, always straining its large ears.
Small but brave, this Pokémon will hold its ground and even risk its life in battle to protect the female it’s friendly with.
Nidoran-m Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Nidoran♂ derives from a combination of 'needle' and 'iguana,' with the male symbol (♂) explicitly denoting its gender-exclusive nature—a design choice that was revolutionary for Generation I. The Japanese name ニドラン♂ (Nidoran) follows identical naming conventions but emphasizes the creature's connection to the parallel Nidoran♀ line through identical syllables, with only the gender indicator differentiating them. Visually, Nidoran♂'s design draws heavy inspiration from small, aggressive mammals like badgers and hedgehogs, combined with reptilian features such as spines and a horn suggestive of lizards or iguanas. The creature's genus designation, 'Poison Pin Pokémon,' directly references both its typing and its primary physical weapons—the spines and horn that serve as delivery mechanisms for its venomous secretions. The design philosophy emphasizes how a small Pokémon compensates for limited physical size through aggressive offense and sensory superiority, with the prominent ears symbolizing hypervigilance. The color palette of pinkish-purple with darker patches creates visual contrast that makes the species immediately recognizable while distinguishing it from its female counterpart, creating a memorable silhouette that remains iconic nearly three decades after its initial introduction.
Learnable Moves
Nidoran-m can learn 76 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| beat up | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| chip away | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confusion | psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| drill run | ground | Physical | 80 | 95 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flatter | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury attack | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| head smash | rock | Physical | 150 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| horn attack | normal | Physical | 65 | 100 | 25 |
| horn drill | normal | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| poison sting | poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| poison tail | poison | Physical | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| super fang | normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| venom drench | poison | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
Nidoran-m Competitive Battle Guide
While Nidoran♂'s base stats total a modest 273, its competitive viability lies primarily in its final evolutionary form rather than in the base stage itself. However, the species does possess three distinct abilities that differentiate its strategic applications: Poison Point grants a 30% chance of poisoning attacking Pokémon on contact, providing passive defensive utility; Rivalry increases damage output to 1.25× against same-gender opponents while reducing it to 0.75× against opposite-gender targets, creating interesting gender-based strategic considerations; and the hidden ability Hustle amplifies physical moves to 1.5× their normal damage output at the cost of reducing accuracy to 0.8×. In competitive play, Nidoran♂ rarely appears in serious tournaments due to its limited offensive coverage, mediocre Special Defense at 40, and overall fragility, though players occasionally employ it in Nuzlocke runs or casual formats where its early availability provides value. The species' respectable Attack stat of 57 combined with access to moves like Poison Powder, Horn Attack, and various coverage options means it can perform decently against other early-game Pokémon, but quickly becomes outclassed as opponents acquire more developed teams. Trainers interested in using a Nidoran-line Pokémon competitively would be far better served investing in leveling the creature to its final Nidoking form, where its Attack reaches 102 and its overall stat distribution becomes genuinely threatening in standard competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nidoran-m
What type is Nidoran-m?
Nidoran-m is a poison type Pokemon.
What does Nidoran-m evolve into?
Nidoran-m evolves into nidorino, then into nidoking.
What are Nidoran-m's weaknesses?
Nidoran-m is weak to ground and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Nidoran-m?
Nidoran-m can be found in kanto safari zone (kanto), kanto route 22 (kanto) and kanto route 2 (kanto) and 8 other locations.
Nidoran-m Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Nidoran♂ holds a distinctive position in Pokémon cultural history as one of the earliest examples of explicit gender differentiation within the franchise, alongside its female counterpart. The inclusion of gender symbols in the official Pokédex and name established a precedent that would influence Pokémon design philosophy for generations to come, making Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ foundational to how the series addresses biological sex within its worldbuilding. The species appeared prominently in early anime episodes and has maintained consistent representation across trading card game releases, video game generations, and merchandise throughout the franchise's three-decade history. Its distinctive design with prominent ears and venomous horn made it instantly recognizable to early-generation fans, and it remains a nostalgic touchstone for players who experienced Pokémon Red and Blue in the late 1990s. The creature's role in anime appearances, including as part of various trainer teams and legendary rival battles, cemented its status as an integral component of Pokémon's early canon. Despite never achieving the mainstream popularity of franchise icons like Pikachu or Charizard, Nidoran♂ maintains solid fan appreciation and continues to appear in contemporary games, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this humble Poison-type pioneer.
Where to Find Nidoran-m in Every Pokémon Game
Nidoran♂ demonstrates excellent availability across the vast majority of mainline Pokémon games, with capture locations spanning multiple generations and regional variants. In the original Red and Blue versions, players could encounter Nidoran♂ in early-game grassland areas such as Route 22 and surrounding routes, making it one of the more accessible Poison-type options. Subsequent generations maintained its accessibility; it appears in Gold and Silver's Kanto postgame content, returns in FireRed and LeafGreen's early routes, and features prominently in HeartGold and SoulSilver's early progression. More recent games including X and Y (as National Pokédex #0107 in Coastal Kalos), Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, and Crown Tundra content ensure that contemporary players can still obtain this classic species without excessive effort. The species' favorable catch rate of 235 means that trainers can reliably capture individual Nidoran♂ without requiring Great Balls or Ultra Balls, and its moderate experience requirements through the leveling curve make training it a manageable commitment. For players specifically seeking the male line rather than attempting to breed from captured specimens, Nidoran♂'s widespread availability across games and its early-game accessibility ensure it remains one of the most obtainable Poison-type Pokémon options, perfectly suited for new trainers building their initial competitive teams or filling out Pokédex requirements.