Nidoran♂ (Pokémon)

This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Nidoran.

**Nidoran♂** (Japanese: **ニドラン♂** *Nidoran♂*) is a Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Nidorino starting at level 16, which evolves into Nidoking when exposed to a Moon Stone.

It is related to Nidoran♀ and, when bred with Ditto in Generation V or later, can produce Eggs that contain either Nidoran♂ or Nidoran♀.

It has a regional variant known as **Syraiki Nidoran♂**, which is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation AN-III. It Evolves into Syraiki Nidorino at Level 16, which Evolves into Syraiki Nidoking when exposed to a Moon Stone. Syraiki Nidoran♂ can breed with Ditto to produce Eggs that contain either Syraiki Nidoran♂ or Syraiki Nidoran♀.

## Biology

Nidoran♂ is a small, quadrupedal, rodent-like Pokémon. It is pinkish purple with darker patches. It has large, spiny ears with teal insides, oversized front teeth, and red eyes. Its back is covered with three lines of large spines that can release potent poisons if threatened. The center line of spines is taller than the other two. The size of the long, pointed horn on its forehead is indicative of the strength of its venom. Nidoran♂ is a male-only species.

Nidoran♂ constantly listens for the sounds of approaching enemies with its large ears. Said ears have unique muscles that allow them to be moved in any direction, and even the slightest sound does not escape Nidoran♂'s notice. In order to listen to distant locations, it flaps its ears like wings. When angry, it extends its toxic spikes and charges, stabbing with its horn to inject poison. Nidoran♂ is brave, and will risk its own life to protect Nidoran♀. Nidoran♂ lives in open spaces, such as savannas and plains.

## Game data

### Game locations

#### In events

 **GSC** | Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Sweet Kiss Nidoran♂ | English
 **GSC** | Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Morning Sun Nidoran♂ | English

### Stats

#### Base stats

* Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
* This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was **40**.

### Learnset

#### By tutoring

 * **Bold** indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nidoran♂
* *Italic* indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nidoran♂
* Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

## Trivia

* Nidoran was the first Pokémon to feature gender differences, or even any indication of gender at all.
* Despite the addition of genders in all Pokémon starting in Generation II, the two variations of Nidoran remained separate species, rather than a singular species that splits down different evolution paths based on gender.
	+ When an Egg is produced from Nidoran and Ditto parents, the gender ratio of the Egg favors the gender of the non-Ditto parent by an unknown margin.
	+ A Nidoran♀ Egg has a chance of hatching into a Nidoran♂ when bred with a non-Nidoran♂ compatible father.
* Nidoran♂'s Shiny color scheme is similar to Nidoran♀'s normal coloration. The same goes for Nidoran♀ .
* Nidoran♂ shares its category name with Nidorino, Nidoran♀, Nidorina, Poipole, and Naganadel. They are all known as the Poison Pin Pokémon.
* Due to the fact that its gender, ♂, is included in its name, checking Nidoran♂'s summary from Generation II onward will display as if it were genderless if it does not have a nickname. If its nickname is anything other than "Nidoran♂", its gender will appear as normal.
* Nidoran♂ is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 273.

### Origin

Nidoran♂ appears to draw inspiration from hamsters, rabbits, mice, or – given their aggressive nature towards one another – porcupines, with aspects of venomous mammals. However, anatomically they are arguably most like hyraxes – small, rodent-like mammals that are genetically more closely related to much larger mammals like elephants and manatees featuring thickset bodies with tough hides (similar to Nidorino and Nidoking).

#### Name origin

Nidoran♂ may be derived from *needle*. It may also come from *cnidocyte*, a type of venomous cell responsible for the stings delivered by stinging animals, most notably jellyfish. Alternatively, it may be based on 二 *ni* (two) or 二度 *nido* (two times/two degrees) referring to the two distinct evolutionary lines with similar names and traits. Also, the Japanese word *ran* is translated as *orchid* in English. Orchids are flowers that can be purple or blue, these being the same colors as the male and female evolutionary forms of Nidoran, respectively. The *♂* is an indication of its male gender.