totodile
Generation II · #0158 — Big Jaw Pokémon
Totodile is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II, serving as one of three starter Pokémon available to trainers beginning their journey through the Johto region. Known by the designation #158 in the National Pokédex, this bipedal crocodilian creature earns its species classification as the "Big Jaw Pokémon" due to its disproportionately powerful jaws relative to its compact 0.6-meter frame and modest 9.5-kilogram weight. Despite its small stature, Totodile has become a fan-favorite starter choice since its debut in Pokémon Gold and Silver, celebrated for its adorable appearance belying a surprisingly aggressive and playful nature. The species remains consistently available across mainline Pokémon games, appearing as a starter option in remakes and even recent titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, testament to its enduring popularity within the franchise.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
9.5kg
Category
Big Jaw Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
upright
Habitat
waters-edge
Abilities
Strengthens water moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
Totodile Biology & Physical Characteristics
Totodile exhibits a distinctly reptilian physiology, displaying characteristics of crocodilians adapted for aquatic and semi-aquatic life. Its most distinctive feature comprises its extraordinarily well-developed jaws, which despite the Pokémon's diminutive body size, possess crushing power sufficient to cause serious injury even when Totodile intends merely playful nipping. The creature possesses red eyes marked by prominent ridges, with black markings surrounding the ocular region and rows of sharp teeth visible within its powerful mouth. Its body coloration is primarily blue with a characteristic yellow V-shaped marking extending across its chest and down both arms, bisected by a thin central line. Running down its back is a row of three red spines accompanied by smaller red ridges on either side, with an additional single red spine tipping its tail. Totodile's limbs terminate in five fingers on its forelimbs and three toes on its hind feet, providing stability for its bipedal locomotion. Notably, the species exhibits the unusual behavior of sleeping with one eye perpetually open, likely an adaptation for monitoring threats in its aquatic environment.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Totodile Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Totodile exhibits a significant sexual dimorphism in population distribution, with approximately 87.5 percent of encountered specimens being male and only 12.5 percent female, creating a pronounced gender imbalance within the species. This ratio contributes to the species' classification within the Monster and Water 1 egg groups, which determine compatible breeding partners and inheritance patterns for move pools and abilities. The gender distribution has gameplay implications, particularly for players seeking female Totodile specimens for breeding purposes, as the relative rarity of females necessitates either patience in wild encounters or strategic breeding planning if multiple generations are required. From a lore perspective, the overwhelming male bias remains unexplained within official canon, though such gender ratios appear consistent across numerous Pokémon species without explicit biological justification. The species produces eggs that require approximately 20 cycles to hatch, translating to 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel to complete incubation. Totodile inherits its base happiness value of 70 from eggs, establishing a relatively amicable starting relationship with newly hatched individuals despite the species' inherently aggressive temperament toward most stimuli.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
sun moon
tm01
x y
+704 more TMs/HMs
totodile's Evolution Chain
Totodile Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Totodile follows a straightforward three-stage evolutionary line culminating in one of the most formidable Water-type Pokémon available. Upon reaching level 18, Totodile evolves into Croconaw, a more robust form that further emphasizes its crocodilian nature while maintaining the species' aggressive characteristics. The final evolution occurs at level 30, transforming Croconaw into Feraligatr, a large, powerful apex predator that becomes a dominant force in competitive play and narrative contexts. Feraligatr's stats represent a dramatic improvement across all categories compared to Totodile's modest base total of 314, with particular emphasis on Physical Attack and physical bulk, transforming the meek starter into a devastating combatant. The evolutionary line maintains Water-type consistency throughout all three stages, ensuring type coherence and allowing trainers to develop a thematic party around Totodile from early-game progression through late-game challenges. This straightforward progression exemplifies Generation II's approach to starter Pokémon design, providing clear developmental pathways without branching or conditional evolutions.
Where to Find
new bark town
johto
+2 more
littleroot town
hoenn
hoenn route 101
hoenn
seaward cave
alola
Totodile Behaviour and Natural Habitat
True to its classification as a rough and aggressive Pokémon, Totodile demonstrates a hair-trigger willingness to bite at any moving object, displaying neither hesitation nor discrimination in its choice of targets. This impulsive behavior, while potentially dangerous, stems primarily from the species' playful temperament rather than genuine malice—trainers must nonetheless exercise considerable caution, as the gap between a Totodile's perceived playfulness and the actual damage its jaws can inflict poses serious injury risk. The Pokédex explicitly warns that turning one's back on a Totodile is inadvisable, reflecting the species' opportunistic nature and tendency to attack without provocation. Despite this combative disposition, Totodile possesses a base happiness value of 70, suggesting capacity for genuine bonds with patient trainers. As an aquatic Pokémon, Totodile naturally inhabits freshwater environments including rivers and lakes, though its bipedal nature allows for substantial terrestrial activity. The species' presence in the Monster and Water 1 egg groups further confirms its ecological role spanning both terrestrial and aquatic niches.
Pokedex Entries
Its well-developed jaws are powerful and capable of crushing anything. Even its trainer must be careful.
It is small but rough and tough. It won't hesitate to take a bite out of anything that moves.
This rough critter chomps at any moving object it sees. Turning your back on it is not recommended.
Despite the smallness of its body, TOTODILE’s jaws are very powerful. While the POKéMON may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough power to cause serious injury.
Despite its small body, TOTODILE’s jaws are very powerful. While it may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough strength to cause serious injury.
It is small but rough and tough. It won’t hesitate to take a bite out of anything that moves.
Its well-developed jaws are powerful and capable of crushing anything. Even its TRAINER must be careful.
It has the habit of biting anything with its developed jaws. Even its Trainer needs to be careful.
Its powerful, well-developed jaws are capable of crushing anything. Even its Trainer must be careful.
It is small but rough and tough. It won’t hesitate to take a bite out of anything that moves.
It has the habit of biting anything with its developed jaws. Even its Trainer needs to be careful.
It has the habit of biting anything with its developed jaws. Even its Trainer needs to be careful.
It is small but rough and tough. It won’t hesitate to take a bite out of anything that moves.
Its powerful, well-developed jaws are capable of crushing anything. Even its Trainer must be careful.
Despite the smallness of its body, Totodile’s jaws are very powerful. While the Pokémon may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough power to cause serious injury.
Totodile Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name "Totodile" derives from a portmanteau of "toe" and "crocodile," a fitting designation given the Pokémon's emphasis on its clawed digits and crocodilian appearance. The Japanese designation "Waninoko" (ワニノコ) similarly combines "wani" (crocodile) with "ko" (child), establishing the species explicitly as a juvenile crocodile. This linguistic foundation anchors Totodile within the broader crocodilian family while simultaneously emphasizing its status as a young, developing creature. Visually, Totodile's design draws heavily from actual crocodilian anatomy—its powerful jaws, body shape, coloration, and spinal ridge structure all reflect genuine reptilian characteristics adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. The addition of the distinctive yellow chest marking provides contrast and visual interest while creating a memorable silhouette immediately recognizable even in simplified sprite form. The red spines lining its back and tail echo characteristics seen in basilisk lizards and other ornate reptiles, adding decorative flair while maintaining biological plausibility. The design philosophy balances naturalistic reptilian features with stylized Pokémon aesthetics, creating a creature simultaneously believable as a small crocodile and distinctly fantastical.
Learnable Moves
Totodile can learn 94 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| breaking swipe | dragon | Physical | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| chip away | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flatter | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| flip turn | water | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 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 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| 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 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pledge | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Totodile Competitive Battle Guide
While Totodile itself rarely appears in competitive battling due to its limited base stats and shallow move pool, the species holds strategic significance as the foundational stage of Feraligatr, which commands respect in various competitive formats. Totodile's base stat total of 314 reflects its role as an early-game Pokémon, with emphasis placed on Attack (65) and Defense (64) while sacrificing Special Attack (44) and Speed (43), establishing physical offense as its viable competitive avenue despite lacking the power to pose genuine threats at higher levels. The species' ability Torrent strengthens Water-type moves to 1.5× damage when Totodile's health drops to one-third or less, providing a desperation mechanic that grants minor offensive boosts in precarious situations. The hidden ability Sheer Force increases move power to 1.3× while eliminating additional effects, trading utility for raw damage output—a trade-off rarely advantageous for Totodile's limited moveset. Moves like Waterfall, Crunch, and Ice Punch represent physical options available through breeding or TM instruction, though Totodile's mediocre offensive stats render these options insufficient for competitive viability. Players typically utilize Totodile exclusively for narrative playthroughs and early-game content before transitioning to its evolved forms for endgame challenges.
Commonly Asked Questions About Totodile
What type is Totodile?
Totodile is a water type Pokemon.
What does Totodile evolve into?
Totodile evolves into croconaw, then into feraligatr.
What are Totodile's weaknesses?
Totodile is weak to grass and electric type moves.
Where can I find Totodile?
Totodile can be found in new bark town (johto), littleroot town (hoenn) and hoenn route 101 (hoenn) and 1 other locations.
Totodile Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Totodile has achieved remarkable cultural prominence as one of Generation II's most iconic and beloved Pokémon, particularly through its extensive anime appearances and merchandising presence. Ash's Totodile in the original animated series proved instrumental in establishing the species' characteristic personality—enthusiastically biting everything including Ash himself while maintaining an ultimately loyal and affectionate disposition toward its trainer. This depiction resonated profoundly with audiences, cementing Totodile's reputation as a charming troublemaker and creating enduring appeal that transcends typical starter Pokémon popularity. The species has appeared consistently in trading card games, animated films, and spin-off media, maintaining visibility across multiple decades of Pokémon cultural output. Totodile's merchandising extends extensively to plushies, apparel, artwork, and collectibles, reflecting genuine fan demand for representations of this particular species. The creature's inclusion as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Z-A demonstrates continued confidence in its commercial and narrative appeal to modern audiences. Among dedicated Pokémon communities, Totodile frequently ranks highly in polls of favorite Pokémon, particularly among fans who experienced Generation II during their formative years, establishing it as a generational touchstone.
Where to Find Totodile in Every Pokémon Game
Totodile's availability varies significantly across the Pokémon game lineup, primarily determined by its designation as a starter Pokémon in specific regional contexts. Within Johto-focused games—Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver—Totodile serves as one of three selectable starter choices alongside Chikorita and Cyndaquil, making it immediately accessible at the beginning of these games in exchange for selection during the initial starter Pokémon encounter. The species maintains local Pokédex number #0007 across these titles, reflecting its starter status. In non-Johto games, Totodile typically becomes available later in progression or through specific in-game trading mechanics, post-game encounters, or breeding from previously obtained specimens. Pokémon Legends: Z-A includes Totodile as a starter option for Lumiose City, expanding its availability beyond traditional Johto narratives and signaling continued emphasis on the species' starter status. In games where Totodile does not serve as an initial starter, it frequently appears in wild encounters within water-type habitat areas or becomes available through Pokédex completion mechanics and post-game content. Competitive and casual players can reliably obtain Totodile specimens across virtually all mainline games through consistent inclusion, ensuring the species remains consistently accessible to players seeking to develop complete regional Pokédex entries or construct teams featuring this popular crocodilian starter.