Along with Chikorita and Totodile, Cyndaquil is one of the three starter Pokémon available at the beginning of Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver.
It can also be obtained in Pokémon Emerald if the player has completed the Hoenn Pokédex and talks to Professor Birch.
Physiology
Biology
Its fur is bluish on top of its body, but a milky color on the underside. Although called the Fire Mouse Pokémon, Cyndaquil seems to be a composite of features from the echidna, seen in the flames erupting from its back, and the shrew, the general shape of its body. Its eyes are often closed, as it is still young. It has four red-colored spots on its back from which its flames erupt. It lacks claws on its forelimbs, but has a single claw on each hind foot.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Cyndaquil is capable of defending itself by using the fire on its back. The fire grows more powerful as the Cyndaquil becomes more angry or defensive. Cyndaquil is also able to expel obscuring smoke to lower the accuracy of its opponent.
Behavior
Cyndaquil are usually timid, but its actual behavior depends on its personality. It tends to hide in most dangerous situations. Most Cyndaquil, like Ash's, are inexperienced at start and don't know their strengths and weaknesses. If Cyndaquil is angry or surprised, such as from being attacked, it flares up its back for protection. Although its flames may burn vigorously in this emotional state, if Cyndaquil is tired the flames sputter fitfully with incomplete combustion.
Habitat
Cyndaquil can adapt to many habitats, however, most are found in the care of Trainers, having been their starter Pokémon.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
In the anime
Major appearances
Ash's Cyndaquil
Ash Ketchum captured a Cyndaquil in Good 'Quil Hunting. During its early days on Ash's team, Cyndaquil was easily tired-out (e.g. waiting a while for the flames on its back to ignite so it could use Fire-type attacks). Eventually, Cyndaquil overcame its shortcomings. Ash left his Cyndaquil, along with the rest of his Johto team (save for Pikachu), at Professor Oak's lab when he set out for Hoenn. Later, Ash called Cyndaquil back into his party for the Sinnoh League in An Old Family Blend!. It evolved into Quilava after a battle with Team Rocket's mecha.
Dawn's Cyndaquil
In An Egg Scramble!, Dawn defeated Lyra in a battle, winning an egg. Shortly after, the egg hatched into a Cyndaquil.
Other
Minor appearances
Cyndaquil first appeared in the anime in Don't Touch That 'dile as one of the three starters Professor Elm had to give out at his lab.
Jimmy chose Cyndaquil as his starter Pokémon. By The Legend of Thunder!, it had become a Typhlosion.
Lucy has a pet Cyndaquil.
A Cyndaquil is owned by one of the students of Snowpoint Trainers' School in Classroom Training!.
Cyndaquil has a role in Arceus and the Jewel of Life alongside the other Johto starters, Chikorita and Totodile.
-by Ace Teves
