The Strongest Ocean-Dwelling Pokemon in the Anime, Ranked

Water-type Pokémon are incredibly popular in the Pokémon world, and most trainers have at least one. Some trainers even build their entire team around Water-types – you’ll often find these specialists as Gym Leaders or members of the Elite Four. In the older Pokémon games, having a Water-type Pokémon – or one that knew the move Surf – was essential for getting through the game.

Water-type Pokémon aren’t strong against Grass or Electric types, but they excel in battles against Fire, Rock, and Ground types. You can find Water-type Pokémon everywhere in the Pokémon world, in both lakes and oceans. Interestingly, many Pokémon—even those that aren’t Water-types—make their home under the sea, and a lot of them have become famous legends.

Lapras Is Calm and Compassionate

The Species Was Nearly Made Extinct Due To Hunting

Lapras has been around since the very first Pokémon games, and it’s always been a somewhat rare find. Back then, players could only get one Lapras in the game, and it was given out at Silph Co. in Saffron City. The Pokédex says that Lapras was once close to extinction because people hunted it too much. Luckily, humans started protecting this kind and gentle Water/Ice-type Pokémon, and the species is now safe.

Lapras are known for being kind and gentle, even after facing many hardships. These Pokémon love living in the ocean and are happy to give rides to people and other Pokémon. They generally avoid fighting, preferring peace whenever possible. But if they must battle, Lapras are surprisingly capable, with a wide range of moves and strong defenses. Famous examples include the Lapras used by Lorelei and Red in the Pokémon Origins series.

Walrein Has Well-Rounded Battle Statistics

A Walrein Will Sacrifice Its Life To Protect Its Herd

Spheal is a cute Ice and Water-type Pokémon originally found in Hoenn’s Shoal Cave. It evolves into Sealeo at level 32, becoming stronger and more durable. Sealeo then evolves into the powerful Walrein at level 44, completing Spheal’s evolutionary line. In their natural habitat, Walrein lead groups of Spheal and Sealeo and are fiercely protective, even willing to fight to the death to defend them.

Walrein is easily recognized by its blue and gray fur and especially its long tusks, which are strong enough to break apart ice floes. Despite being a powerful attacker, Walrein is also a very durable Pokémon, thanks to its thick layer of blubber that has grown stronger over time. You can find these impressive fighters used by Team Aqua members, as well as skilled Trainers like Katie, Rocky, and Wallace.

Milotic Remains an Extremely Rare Pokémon

Milotic Has an Amazing Movepool

In certain parts of the Hoenn region, you might find Feebas, a somewhat scruffy Water-type Pokémon. Many Trainers overlook Feebas because of its plain looks. But those who give it a chance will be rewarded with a fantastic partner! Feebas can evolve into the stunning and powerful Milotic if you trade it while it’s holding a Prism Scale, or if you raise its Beauty stat high enough.

I absolutely love Milotic! It’s famous for being incredibly gentle and has this amazing ability to calm you down when you’re feeling bad. But don’t let that fool you – it’s a seriously powerful fighter! It’s super fast and agile, and can learn some incredible moves like Alluring Voice and Breaking Swipe. Everyone knows Milotic is Wallace’s signature Pokémon, his absolute best! But you’ll often see it alongside Cynthia too, as just one example of the incredibly strong team she’s built.

Sharpedo Debuted as Archie’s Ace Pokémon

Mega Sharpedo Was Revealed in Generation VI

In the deep oceans of the Hoenn region, you can find Carvanha, Pokémon that resemble piranhas and are known for being aggressive. They typically swim in groups, but a lone Carvanha can be surprisingly timid. When they evolve into Sharpedo, though, they become incredibly fearless. Sharpedo is well-known as the “bully of the sea” – a powerful Pokémon with high Attack and Speed, making it a formidable opponent.

Sharpedo is famous for being the signature Pokémon of Archie, the leader of Team Aqua in the Hoenn region. However, the Pokémon first appeared in the original anime as a powerful group that initially threatened Ash and his friends. They were eventually able to befriend these Sharpedo while traveling with Mr. Briney. The anime has also featured skilled Trainers, like Goh and Ludlow, who have partnered with Sharpedo. In the movie Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, a Mega Sharpedo was used by Levi and Cherie, who were allies of the villain Alva.

Gyarados Evolves From Humble Beginnings

A Wise Trainer Knows Never To Make Gyarados Angry

Magikarp is a very common Pokémon found in both lakes and oceans. While it’s known for being weak and often uses the ineffective move Splash, many trainers avoid it. However, those who persevere with Magikarp are rewarded, as it eventually evolves into Gyarados – a powerful and sometimes fiery Water/Flying-type Pokémon.

Gyarados is a powerful Pokémon despite being vulnerable to Electric-type attacks. Its high Attack stat, speed, and diverse range of moves make it a formidable opponent. Beyond its role as the Pokémon used by Lysandre during a key battle in the Kalos region of Ash’s adventures, Gyarados has been partnered with several admirable Trainers. Misty, for example, conquers her fear of Gyarados and eventually learns to Mega Evolve her own. The skilled Trainer Lance is also known for possessing a rare, red-scaled Shiny Gyarados.

Swampert Is a Legendary Starter From Hoenn

Mega Swampert Is Famous for Its Strength

I’ve always found Mudkip to be a pretty special Pokémon. While not super common around Hoenn, it’s become well-known as one of the first Water-types trainers can choose. You can usually find Mudkip and its evolved forms hanging out in freshwater places like rivers and ponds, but they’re also comfortable in the ocean, which makes sense given how much of Hoenn is water! Even before it evolves, Mudkip is a clever little Pokémon, using its fins to sense changes in the air. As it grows into Marshtomp and then Swampert, it just gets even more powerful and thoughtful.

While Ash never had a Swampert on his team, several other powerful Mud Fish Pokémon have appeared in the anime. For instance, May is seen with a Swampert that can Mega Evolve in the trailer for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Throughout the series, trainers like Morrison, Tommy, and Tucker all battle Ash with their own Mud Fish Pokémon. We even see Wallace, a Water-type specialist, using a Swampert in his battles.

Many Remain Loyal Fans of Blastoise

The Very First Known Water-type Starter

While many new starter Pokémon have been introduced over the years, the original trio from the very first games remains the most beloved. Squirtle, along with Charmander and Bulbasaur, is instantly recognizable as a face of the Kanto region. We’ve seen Squirtle appear with trainers like Ash, Gary, and May throughout the series. Plus, several powerful Blastoise – Squirtle’s evolved form – have made a big impact in the original Pokémon anime.

I remember seeing Tierno’s Blastoise, which was amazing when it Mega Evolved during a battle! But Gary also had a Squirtle that grew into a Wartortle and eventually a powerful Blastoise – it became a real staple of his team. That Blastoise even showed up during Gary and Ash’s match in “The Ties That Bind.” It was cool to see it traveling with Gary after he decided to become a Pokémon Researcher, clearly getting even stronger alongside him.

Manaphy Is Much More Powerful Than It Appears

The Seafaring Pokémon Can Befriend Any Pokémon

I’ve been reading up on Manaphy, and it’s a really interesting Pokémon! The Pokédex says it was born deep in the ocean and is currently traveling around, trying to find where it truly belongs. It’s shrouded in mystery, especially when it comes to how it connects with other Pokémon. What’s really unique is that, as far as anyone knows, Manaphy is the only Mythical Pokémon that can actually breed. When it does, it produces Phione, another rare, Water-type Mythical Pokémon.

Manaphy is a central character in the movie Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, where it develops a special connection with trainer May. Initially a small Pokémon, Manaphy quickly becomes a strong fighter, largely due to its unique move, Heart Swap. This move allows Manaphy to team up with several powerful Water-type Pokémon, even the legendary Kyogre, to battle Phantom. It’s remarkable that Manaphy, with its incredible power, was able to summon Kyogre – a Pokémon that is the sea itself.

Lugia Lives Underwater Due to Its Immense Power

The Leader of the Three Legendary Birds

Lugia, the iconic mascot of Pokémon Silver and Pokémon SoulSilver, has been a fan favorite for years. Surprisingly, even though it’s not a Water-type Pokémon, Lugia can breathe underwater. Known as the Diving Pokémon, it’s famous for its incredibly powerful wings – even a small flap can cause huge storms. Lugia typically lives deep underwater to keep itself safe and protect other Pokémon.

I’ve always been fascinated by Lugia, and it’s amazing to see how it steps in to protect the world when it’s needed! A perfect example is in Pokémon the Movie 2000. When that collector, Lawrence III, went and captured Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, Lugia actually rose from the sea to try and calm them down. It’s such a graceful Pokémon, super agile, and you really see that in its signature move, Aeroblast – it’s just beautiful to watch!

Kyogre Has Nearly Destroyed Regions Before

Usually a Calm Pokémon Unless Angered

Kyogre is well-known as the mascot for the Pokémon Sapphire and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire games, but it’s also considered the very spirit of the ocean. Long ago, Kyogre fought a fierce battle against its longtime rival, Groudon. This battle almost wiped out the Hoenn region because of Kyogre’s power to summon massive floods and storms. Luckily, Rayquaza, a powerful Pokémon of the skies, intervened and stopped the fight. Now, Kyogre rests deep underwater, either in the Cave of Origin or the Marine Cave.

Kyogre appears in multiple Pokémon episodes and specials, like “The Scuffle of Legends” and the Mega Evolution miniseries. But a particularly intense scene featuring Kyogre is in the Pokémon Generations episode “The Cavern.” Despite warnings, Archie uses the Blue Orb to awaken Kyogre, which angers the Pokémon and causes it to transform into its Primal form. In a terrifying display of power, Primal Kyogre creates a massive storm and immediately attacks Team Aqua, preparing for battle.

2026-01-18 18:37