Water-types in the Pokémon franchise encompass a diverse range of designs and inspirations, as they are the most common type. Currently, there are 159 Water-type Pokémon, and every other Pokémon type has been paired with Water at least once. With only two weaknesses, Water-types are considered a strong and formidable category of Pokémon.
Water-types display immense versatility. They can possess a fierce and aggressive demeanor like Gyarados, or exude grace and beauty like Milotic. Some Water-types have an intimidating appearance, such as Poliwrath, while others are mischievous and amicable like Politoed. Additionally, there are Water-types that utilize their aquatic attributes to captivate trainers with their cuteness and charm. Presented below are some of the most adorable Water-type Pokémon, although their cuteness may exhibit a unique and unconventional quality.
15 Dewpider
14 Spheal
Dewpider, although not the first Pokémon that comes to mind when thinking of Water-types, is indeed categorized as one. Originally discovered in the Alola region, Dewpider is a small arachnid-like creature that carries a water bubble on its head, enabling it to survive on land. In the episode "Dewpider Ascending!", this particular Pokémon played a significant role as it formed a strong bond with Lana, who specializes in Water-types. Seeking a new habitat, the Dewpider faced difficulties due to territorial conflicts. Despite not being caught by Lana, their connection remained strong.
Spheal, a Pokémon native to the Hoenn region, where it initially appeared, is an Ice and Water-type Pokémon, making it well-suited for residing in frigid waters. Spheal, capable of undergoing two evolutions, can ultimately transform into Walrein, losing its charming appearance. With its round, spherical shape, Spheal can effortlessly roll on land and halt promptly using its fin. Despite no prominent characters in the animated series having owned a Spheal, the Pokémon has been featured in several standalone episodes. Notably, in its debut episode titled "The Spheal of Approval," a Spheal was unintentionally utilized against Ash when he was mistaken for a thief.
13 Mantyke
12 Manaphy
Mantyke, a baby Pokémon from the fourth generation, has the potential to evolve into Mantine if the right conditions are met. Depending on the region in which they are found, Mantyke may display slightly different designs on their backs, although this depiction is not always accurate. Renowned for their ability to jump out of the water and glide short distances, Mantyke has earned the nickname "the Kite Pokémon." In the animated series Pokémon Journeys, Goh, a companion of Ash, captured a Mantyke and utilized it during the Iceberg Race held in Snowpoint City.
In the fourth generation, Manaphy emerged as a Mythical Pokémon that proved to be quite elusive in the games. Said to originate from a faraway, tropical region, these creatures sail through the vast oceans, effortlessly navigating the currents. Notably, a Manaphy played a significant role in the ninth Pokémon movie, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. This enchanting Pokémon hatched from an egg and was pursued by a nefarious gang of Pokémon thieves. Its unique abilities became essential in locating the renowned Temple of the Sea, compelling Ash and his companions to safeguard it.
11 Mareanie
Mareanie, the epitome of "Ugly Cute," elicits a desire to be affectionate towards it while instilling a sense of trepidation for one's own safety. Its spiky exterior exudes potent toxins, while its tentacles adeptly ensnare prey before delivering their final, fatal strike. Exhibiting cunning and resourcefulness, Mareanie possesses the remarkable ability to regenerate every part of its body overnight, except for its head. In the anime, a Mareanie was under the ownership of Team Rocket's James, who endured both its adoring (albeit venomous) embrace around his head. Ultimately, Mareanie was left behind in Alola to indulge in a content existence within its natural habitat.
10 Oshawott
Oshawott, the water-type Starter Pokémon of the Fifth Generation, is commonly referred to as the Sea Otter Pokémon. With its distinctive feature, a shell called a scalchop, located on its belly, Oshawott can utilize it as a formidable weapon to execute the powerful Razor Shell attack. The loss of this shell greatly distresses Oshawott. In the animated series, Ash possesses an Oshawott, which he frequently lets roam freely outside its Poké Ball, much like Pikachu. Notably mischievous, Ash's Oshawott often develops infatuations with female Pokémon it encounters.
9 Corsola
Corsola, a delightful Water-type Pokémon, made its debut in the Johto region. It thrives in warm and shallow waters, often forming massive colonies. In fact, these colonies can grow so large that entire settlements, like the renowned Pacifidlog Town in Hoenn, reside upon them. The horn of Corsola is highly sought after for its exquisite craftsmanship and its ornamental value. As a dual-type Water/Rock Pokémon, it possesses a regional variant in Galar that exclusively embraces the Ghost-type. In the anime series, Misty was a proud owner of a Corsola, which she skillfully captured using a special Lure Ball. Her Corsola exuded abundant energy, occasionally exhibiting playful unruliness, yet it was always content and affectionate, radiating pure happiness.
8 Vaporeon
Vaporeon, one of the original three Eeveelutions, is the outcome of exposing Eevee to a Water Stone. Due to its unique evolution process, Vaporeon is rarely encountered in the wild and is commonly owned by trainers in urban settings. What sets Vaporeon apart is its remarkable ability to transform its body into water molecules, allowing it to seamlessly blend into its aquatic environment. This adaptation enables Vaporeon to become an adept predator, preying on smaller fish Pokemon. In the anime series, although no main characters have owned a Vaporeon, it has made numerous appearances, often appearing alongside its fellow Eeveelutions.
7 Sobble
Introduced in the eighth generation, Sobble is Galar's Water starter Pokémon. Sobble, resembling a chameleon, possesses the remarkable ability to blend into its aquatic surroundings by camouflaging itself. Due to its extremely timid nature, Sobble easily succumbs to anxiety, causing it to sweat profusely in a bid to disappear. Notably, Sobble is known for its crying tendencies, and its tears are said to be as potent as 100 onions. In the anime, Ash's companion, Goh, managed to capture a Sobble, which gradually became one of his primary Pokémon. Eventually, Goh was able to evolve Sobble into its (albeit somewhat controversial) final form, Inteleon.
6 Frillish
Frillish, a Water/Ghost Pokémon introduced in Generation V, displays different colors based on its gender. Found in dens deep beneath the sea surface, approximately five miles down, it endures the darkness and high pressure of its habitat. Despite its charming appearance, Frillish possesses a cruel nature. As a carnivore, it ensnares its prey using its arms and renders them helpless with its venomous stingers. Legends in the Unova region suggest that all Frillish are actually transformed residents of an ancient submerged city. In the Black and White anime series, Team Rocket's Jessie possessed a mischievous Frillish. Eventually, Frillish reunited with Jessie in one of the anime's final episodes, reclaiming its valued position within the team.
5 Squirtle
The original Water starter, Squirtle, remains as one of the most popular and memorable Pokémon from the first generation. While typically walking on two legs, Squirtle can also switch to all fours to enhance its speed. It retreats into its shell for both protection and sleep. Squirtle made significant appearances in the anime, notably as Gary Oak's starting Pokémon and as the leader of the "Squirtle Squad," which eventually joined Ash's Pokémon team. In the final episodes of the anime, Ash's Squirtle reappeared, still serving as a firefighter in the Squirtle Squad while also entertaining children with lively shows resembling Power Rangers.
4 Horsea
Horsea, a Pokémon from the first generation, derives its name from its resemblance to a seahorse. Despite its small size, Horsea possesses remarkable durability, capable of retaliating against any attacker with water or a jet of black ink. Similar to real seahorses, male Horsea play a crucial role in raising their offspring. They amaze onlookers by creating captivating whirlpools through their elegant swimming movements, competing among themselves to produce the most stunning display. In the animated series, Misty claimed a Horsea as her first wild catch. Although it struggled in battles compared to her Staryu and Starmie, Misty valued it more as a companion rather than a formidable partner in combat.
3 Shellos
2 Popplio
Shellos, a Pokémon from Generation IV, stands out with its unique appearance. This fascinating creature has two distinct variations: West Sea Shellos and East Sea Shellos. The West Sea variant is adorned in pink and white, with delicate growths resembling flower petals sprouting from its head. On the other hand, the East Sea Shellos showcases a vibrant blue and green coloration and boasts two horn-like knobs extending from its face.
Notably, Shellos is not limited to a specific habitat, as it is equally comfortable in both sea and land environments. This adaptability is reflected in its Water/Ground typing, while its exceptional regenerative abilities further enhance its survival skills. In the Diamond and Pearl anime series, Zoey, Dawn's primary rival, showcased her ownership of a Shellos, which she used in various contests. However, as time passed, Zoey's Shellos underwent a less visually appealing transformation and evolved into the less adorable Gastrodon.
Popplio, the Water starter in Alola, is a charming, playful creature that resembles a blue seal. While the Pokédex categorizes it as the Sea Lion Pokémon, Popplio's friendly nature and love for fun set it apart. It entertains others by snorting bubbles from its nose, which also serves as a strategic move during battles. The Pokémon takes delight in showcasing acrobatic feats and eagerly seeks the applause of its amused audience. In the anime, Lana, a close friend of Ash, nurtures a Popplio that takes great pleasure in singing. Over time, this Popplio evolves into a magnificent Primarina. Notably, Lana's Popplio displays exceptional politeness, even extending such courtesy to Team Rocket—until it realizes who it is dealing with.
1 Piplup
Returning to Generation IV, Sinnoh's Water starter is the incredibly charming penguin Pokémon known as Piplup. Despite its cute appearance, Piplup possesses a strong sense of pride and independence. It goes to such lengths that it will even reject food offered by humans, including its own trainer. Due to its difficulty in trusting others, forming a deep bond with its trainer becomes a challenge. Piplup played a significant role in the anime as the primary Pokémon of Ash's companion Dawn. It delighted in participating in contests and occasionally showed signs of jealousy. Although Dawn's Piplup never underwent evolution, this decision seemed fitting considering its fondness for contests.
There are numerous Water-type Pokémon that can be described as genuinely adorable. Characters such as Misty would readily provide more information on these charming creatures. As one of the three types of Starter Pokémon, Water-types have captivated the hearts of countless fans. They have consistently played important roles in the anime, often joining Ash's team and being associated with Water-type experts like Misty and Lana. It is undeniable that the cutest Water-type Pokémon can entice any fan to consider specializing in this particular type.