Introduced in the original generation one, with the Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green games, Horsea is a monotype water Pokemon. It is the base evolution of its three stage evolution line and evolves into Seadra when it reaches the level threshold, which evolves into Kingdra when it is traded while holding a Dragon Scale. Horsea is classified by the Pokedex as the “Dragon Pokemon” which is likely a reference to its general design. This guide will showcase Horsea’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Horsea.
About Horsea
As one of the original 151 Pokemon, Horsea first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode Tentacool & Tentacruel. In this episode, Misty uses a Horsea to help her catch a Tentacruel off-screen. Horsea will evolve into Seadra once it reaches level 32 and then it will evolve into Kingdra once it is traded while holding a Dragon Scale. The Pokedex mentions that Horsea will spit black ink from its mouth if it senses danger.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Tentacool & Tentacruel |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Red/Green (Japan) Pokemon Red/Blue (International) |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Base evolution of Kingdra, evolves into Seadra |
| 1st Evo level | 32 |
| 2nd Evo level | Evolves when traded while holding a Dragon Scale |
| Pokedex Entry | Horsea eats small insects and moss off of rocks. If the ocean current turns fast, this Pokémon anchors itself by wrapping its tail around rocks or coral to prevent being washed away. |
Horsea Base Stats
| HP | 30 |
| ATTACK | 40 |
| DEFENCE | 70 |
| SP. ATTACK | 70 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 25 |
| SPEED | 60 |
| TOTAL | 295 |
Appearance
Horsea is a small blue Pokemon that resembles a seahorse in real life. Most of its body is blue, but its stomach and the fin on its back is white. There are six spikes coming out of each side of Horsea’s head and it has red eyes with black pupils. Its mouth is a cylindrical tube that can spit out a black cloud of ink when it is threatened. Horsea has a small curled tail underneath its stomach. Horsea is a small Pokemon at only 1 foot and 4 inches, or 0.4 meters, tall.
Behavior
In the wild, Horsea tends to avoid confrontations and often escapes by shooting ink at its predators. The precision of its shot is accurate enough to hit insects that are flying above the water. Horsea can usually be found feeding on small insects and moss from rocks. They usually inhabit coral reefs and warm oceans with gentle waves. While they enjoy peace and quiet, they will compete with one another by trying to create the largest whirlpool. The Pokedex mentions that Horsea young are raised by the male Horsea rather than the female.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As the base evolution Pokemon in its evolution line, Horsea is not particularly powerful. It has a good physical and special attack for a base evolution Pokemon, but its other stats are lacking. Horsea can be used as an offensive Pokemon, combining its Swift Swim ability with the rain weather effect. As a monotype water Pokemon, Horsea takes 2x damage from grass and electric type moves. It is immune to no types but is resistant to steel, fire, water, and ice type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Horsea is typically only seen in the LC (Little Cup) format. Horsea can function as an offensive Pokemon if it is combined with the rain weather effect. Its ability Swift Swim will double its speed and can outspeed most offensive Pokemon. With a Life Orb, as a held item, the damage from Horsea can be significant. Consider running Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, Substitute/Rain Dance, and Hidden Power Ground/Hidden Power Grass. This set is aimed at allowing Horsea to set up rain for itself. Its other moves are intended to sweep the opposing team before they can catch up. Try to pick the moves that will help your team cover its weaknesses.
| Hydro Pump | Ice Beam |
| Substitute/Rain Dance | Hidden Power Ground/Hidden Power Grass |
How to Catch Horsea in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Horsea in Pokemon Go, there are a few different ways of doing so. As the base evolution Pokemon in its line, it is more common to encounter than its evolved forms. You can find Horsea spawning in the wild at a boosted rate near canals, harbors, docks, oceans, rivers, lakes, and other watery areas. Horsea can also be hatched from 2, 5, and 7 km eggs. But while Kingdra has not been featured as a raid boss, Horsea and Seadra have been tier one and tier three raid bosses at Pokemon Gyms. Evolving a Horsea into a Seadra will take 25 candies and evolving a Seadra into a Kingdra will take 100 candies and a Dragon Scale. You can find Dragon Scales, on rare occasions, from spinning Pokestop locations.
Trivia
- Horsea’s original artwork showcased it with two fins instead of f=one.
- The inspiration for Horsea’s design seems to be based on a seahorse.
- The name Horsea is a deconstruction of the word seahorse.
FAQ
At what level does Horsea evolve?
Horsea will evolve into Seadra once it reaches level 32. There are no other special conditions for this evolution, and Horsea will begin to evolve after it reaches the level threshold. Seadra will evolve into Kingdra once it is traded while holding a Dragon scale. The Seadra does not need to be any particular level and can evolve once you obtain a Dragon Scale.
What animal is Horsea?
While there is no specific type, Horsea most closely resembles seahorses in real life. Its Pokedex classification as the “Dragon Pokemon” could also be referencing the Japanese word for seahorse. “Tatsu-no-otoshigo” translates into dragon’s child and there is a myth that states if a seahorse lives for over a hundred years it will transform into a dragon.
Is Horsea a good Pokemon?
Horsea and its evolutions enjoyed a brief time near the top of competitive tier lists. The combination of its ability Swift Swim in rain matched with its ability to scale its stats made it a fearsome Pokemon. However, Horsea has become weaker over time with the release of newer Pokemon.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Dragon Pokemon”. While Horsea is typically used for a unique format of competitive play, it can still be a formidable Pokemon. When it evolves, it becomes much more reliable. Horsea functions best as an aggressive Pokemon. With enough set up, Horsea can knock out opposing Pokemon with ease. Reserve a slot on your team for Horsea if you want an aggressive water type Pokemon.
