Ninetales (Japanese: キュウコン Kyukon) is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone.

In Alola, Ninetales has a dual-type Ice/Fairy regional form. It evolves from Alolan Vulpix when exposed to an Ice Stone. These Ninetales can also be found in Blueberry Academy's Terarium.

Table of Contents

Biology

Ninetales is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. It has slender legs with three-toed paws and nine, long tails with pale orange tips. It has red eyes, pointed ears, and a triangular black nose.

There is a legend that claims Ninetails is the reincarnation of 9 united noble saints. While intelligent enough to easily understand human speech, Ninetales is a very vengeful Pokémon that has been known to curse those who mistreat it. Ninetails will also curse anyone who wakes it up by grabbing one of its many tails. The curse can last up to 1,000 years. As mentioned in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, once a Ninetales casts its curse, it cannot be removed even by Ninetales itself. It can live for 1,000 years due to the energy within its nine tails, each of which is said to have a different mystical power. Flames spewed from its mouth can hypnotize an opponent and its gleaming red eyes are said to give it the ability to control minds. As mentioned in the Sleep Style Dex, Ninetales is known to sleep while wrapped inside its tails, giving it a mystical appearance.[1] In the first Pokémon movie, it's shown that it can swim. Pokémon-Amie shows that Ninetales lick their paws to clean themselves. Being the result of an Evolution via Evolution stone, Ninetales are rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in grasslands.

Forms

Ninetales has a regional form: Alolan Ninetales.

In the Alola region, Ninetales have a different appearance. Its coat is pale blue, and its fur is more flowing and wispier. The tips of its tails and crest, as well as the lower halves of its legs, are white. The crest on its head is longer and its nine tails are less distinct from each other. Additionally, it has larger eyes, which are blue, and small tufts of fur in front of its ears.

Alolan Ninetales lives on Alola's snow-capped Mount Lanakila, which is considered by some to be holy ground. As such, it is revered as a sacred messenger or deity. Alolan Ninetales has a gentle and calm temperament and is known to aid lost humans in distress, though this is primarily done to keep them out of its territory. It will punish any threat to its pack of Vulpix. Those who anger it will be frozen stiff in an instant. It can produce ice crystals from its fur, which it can use for both offense and defense. The ice crystals can act as a shield or form balls that can be fired like bullets with enough force to shatter rock.[2] They can also be found in the Polar Biome of Blueberry Academy's Terarium, where Alola's island life is simulated.

Evolution

Ninetales evolves from Vulpix.

Alolan Ninetales evolves from Alolan Vulpix.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Alolan Ninetales

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto#038
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
Blue
Yellow According to an enduring legend, 9 noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
Stadium It is extremely vindictive. It is said to lay a 1,000-year long curse if its tail is pulled as a joke.
Generation II Johto#126
Gold Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Silver Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
Crystal It is said to live a thousand years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
Stadium 2 Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Generation III Hoenn#154 Kanto#038
Ruby Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years.
Sapphire Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent - it can understand human speech.
Emerald It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived Ninetales will have fur that shines like gold.
FireRed It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
LeafGreen Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
Generation IV Sinnoh#— Johto#128
Diamond Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystic power.
SoulSilver Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
Generation V Unova B2  W2 : #249
Black Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
White
Black 2 Each of its nine tails is imbued with supernatural power, and it can live for a thousand years.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos#— Hoenn#161
X It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
Y Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000 year curse.
Omega Ruby Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for one thousand years.
Alpha Sapphire Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent—it can understand human speech.
Generation VII Alola S  M : #254 Alola US  UM : #331 Kanto#038
Sun Legend has it that this mystical Pokémon was formed when nine saints coalesced into one.
Moon Said to live for a thousand years, this Pokémon uses its supernatural abilities to manipulate fire. It can burn its prey to a crisp as it pleases.
Ultra Sun It is vindictive and relentless by nature. Those who cross it even once will be cursed for a thousand years, along with their descendants.
Ultra Moon The flickering flames it spews from its mouth leave its opponents hypnotized. Then, this extremely intelligent Pokémon attacks.
Let's Go Pikachu According to an enduring legend, nine noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
Let's Go Eevee
Alolan Ninetales
Sun It creates drops of ice in its coat and showers them over its enemies. Anyone who angers it will be frozen stiff in an instant.
Moon Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a regional variant of Ninetales.
Ultra Sun The reason it guides people all the way down to the mountain's base is that it wants them to hurry up and leave.
Ultra Moon Some said that deities visited mountains where Ninetales live, so in times long past, no one was allowed to go into those mountains.
Let's Go Pikachu It lives on mountains perpetually covered in snow and is revered as a deity incarnate. It appears draped in a blizzard.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar#069 Sinnoh#— Hisui#169
Sword It is said to live 1,000 years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
Shield Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
Brilliant Diamond Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. The Pokémon is said to live for 1,000 years.
Shining Pearl
Legends: Arceus The coat of gleaming golden fur is quite magnificent. This species is said to store sacred power in its nine long tails and to live for a millennium.
Alolan Ninetales
Sword A deity resides in the snowy mountains where this Pokémon lives. In ancient times, it was worshiped as that deity's incarnation.
Shield While it will guide travelers who get lost on a snowy mountain down to the mountain's base, it won't forgive anyone who harms nature.
Legends: Arceus Dwells on sacred peaks perpetually covered in snow. Said to appear to virtuous people who have lost their way on mountain paths—it then guides them back down to the mountain's base.
Generation IX Paldea#— Kitakami#38 Blueberry#158
Scarlet Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Violet It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
Alolan Ninetales
Scarlet Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a regional variant of Ninetales.
Violet It creates drops of ice in its coat and showers them over its enemies. Anyone who angers it will be frozen stiff in an instant.

Game locations

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Generation IX

In side games

Generation I
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Masters EX
UNITE
Beginner Bonus (Day 2) (Alolan Form)Purchase for 8,000 Aeos Coins/460 Aeos Gems (Alolan Form)

In events

Held items

Ninetales

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear. In Pokémon Emerald, Ninetales can only be found in the Battle Frontier.

Stats

Base stats

Ninetales
Alolan Ninetales

Pokéathlon stats

Skill
4/5 ★★★★☆

Type effectiveness

Ninetales

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damagednormally by:
Immune to:
Resistant to:

Alolan Ninetales

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damagednormally by:
Immune to:
Resistant to:

Learnset

By leveling up

Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
Alolan Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
Alolan Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ninetales
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
Alolan Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ninetales
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Ninetales

By a prior evolution

Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or alternate form of Ninetales
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
Alolan Ninetales
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or alternate form of Ninetales

Anime-only moves

Side game data

Ninetales

Pokémon Rumble Rush
Walking Speed: 1.38 seconds Base HP: 54
Base Attack: 79 Base Defense: 57 Base Speed: 70
Pokémon GO
Base HP: 177 Base Attack: 169 Base Defense: 190
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A
Fast Attacks: Feint Attack, Fire Spin*, Ember†
Charged Attacks: Heat Wave, Overheat*, Solar Beam*, Psyshock*, Weather Ball Fire*, Scorching Sands*, Fire Blast†, Flamethrower†, Frustration, Return
New Pokémon Snap
Photodex entry #075
This mystical Pokémon is the subject of numerous legends. It’s highly intelligent and extremely curious, so it closely studies others to try to learn all it can about them.

Alolan Ninetales

Evolution data

Ninetales

Alolan Ninetales

Sprites

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Cross-Generation

In the anime

Main series

Alolan Ninetales in Pokémon the Series

Major appearances

In Riddle Me This, Blaine used a Ninetales against Ash in their first Gym battle. It battled Squirtle and won before being recalled when Charizard was sent out. Vulpix reappeared in a flashback in Volcanic Panic.

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Neesha's Ninetales was one of the Pokémon that were captured and cloned by Mewtwo. The Ninetales clone was seen again in Mewtwo Returns. Neesha's Ninetales reappeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, a remake of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it played the same role.

In Beauty and the Breeder, Zane's Ninetales was used in a Pokémon breeding competition and competed against Suzie's Vulpix. Ninetales was later among the contestants' Pokémon targeted by Team Rocket.

In Just Waiting On A Friend, a very old Ninetales befriended Brock, who bore a resemblance to her long-lost master. This Ninetales created all sorts of illusions, including one of a woman through which she spoke.

In Mystery on a Deserted Island!, a Ninetales evolved from a Vulpix that belonged to a Pirate. Ninetales was seen guarding the treasure that Ash, his friends, and Alexa were searching for on the Deserted Island.

In Getting a Jump on the Competition!, Cerah used an Alolan Ninetales during the Pokémon Sled Jump Games.

In Leaping Toward the Dream!, Goh caught an Alolan Ninetales on Mt. Coronet in order to qualify for Project Mew's Trial Missions. The Ninetales was subsequently returned to its home on Mount Lanakila in Trial on a Golden Scale!.

Minor appearances

Ninetales debuted in the banned episode EP038.

Ninetales made its English dub debut in The Battling Eevee Brothers as one of the Pokémon in the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Ninetales appeared as an image in the Japanese version of The Ultimate Test.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Ninetales was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Misty Meets Her Match, Rudy's Ninetales was seen at the Trovita Gym.

In The Power of One, a Ninetales sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

In A Bite to Remember, an injured Ninetales was under the care of Katrina.

In All Things Bright and Beautifly!, a Coordinator's Ninetales competed in the Rustboro Contest.

Multiple Ninetales appeared in the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.

In Deceit and Assist, a Coordinator's Ninetales competed in the Hoenn Grand Festival.

In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a Ninetales was seen during the opening intro of the movie, while the other was under the ownership of a Trainer participating in the Rota tournament.

A Coordinator's Ninetales appeared in What I Did for Love!.

A Coordinator's Ninetales appeared in Thinning the Hoard!.

In a flashback in Mutiny in the Bounty!, a Ninetales was one of J's captured Pokémon.

A Performer's Ninetales appeared in a video in Performing with Fiery Charm!.

In Alola, Kanto!, a Ninetales appeared in a fantasy, while Snowy walked up to another at Professor Oak's Laboratory and bonded with it.

An Alolan Ninetales appeared in a fantasy in Showering the World with Love!.

In a flashback in The Dealer of Destruction!, a Trainer's Alolan Ninetales was battling another Trainer's Machamp on Mount Lanakila.

In Out of Their Elements!, a Ninetales appeared as part of a Pokémon Circus.

A Ninetales appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP169 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. The evolved form of Vulpix. It has nine tails and a shining golden fleece. Ninetales are said to live very long lives.
EP232 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. Ninetales is the evolved form of Vulpix. Each of its tails contains a different mystical power.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
BW135 Ninetales Ash's Pokédex Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon and the evolved form of Vulpix. With its nine tails and thick golden coat, Ninetales is said to live a thousand years.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
SM060 Ninetales Rotom Pokédex Ninetales, Alola Form. The Fox Pokémon. An Ice and Fairy type. This peaceful Pokémon is known to rescue people from treacherous mountain accidents.

Pokémon Evolutions

A Ninetales appeared in The Discovery, under the ownership of Green. She used it to battle Elaine's Rapidash and won.

In the manga

Alolan Ninetales in Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

In A Tale of Ninetales, a Ninetales was caught by Blue.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

Blue's Ninetales is used in his Gym.

A Ninetales under the control of a Team Rocket Grunt attacked Gold and Silver in Piloswine Whine, but was easily defeated.

A Ninetales appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

Ruby & Sapphire arc

Courtney has a Ninetales that evolved from a Vulpix prior to Adding It Up with Plusle & Minun II.

Black 2 & White 2 arc

A Ninetales appeared in a flashback as one of the Pokémon trained by the International Police in Innocent Scientist.

Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc

An Alolan Ninetales debuted in Shock!! Father in the Pendant!, where it was seen on Mount Lanakila.

Pokémon Battle Frontier

Main article: Enta's Ninetales

Enta's Vulpix evolved into a Ninetales in Final Battle: Versus The Salon Maiden.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Ninetales appeared in GDZ29, where it evolved from a Vulpix.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team

A Ninetales appeared in a fantasy in Goodbye to a Peaceful Village!.

A Ninetales appeared in Why I Became a Pokémon. The Answer Finally Revealed!! and Tears and Emotions - It's the Final Chapter!.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Koga sent out his Ninetales to participate in the No. 1 Pokémon Contest in Aim to be the No. 1 Pokémon!.

Pokémon Zensho

Blaine's Ninetales was seen in PZ08 when Satoshi entered the Cinnabar Gym.

In the TCG

Main article: Ninetales (TCG)

Other appearances

Pokémon UNITE

Alolan Ninetales in Pokémon UNITE
Main article: Alolan Ninetales (UNITE)

Ninetales in its Alola form is playable through obtaining a Unite License. It is a ranged attacker that starts as Alolan Vulpix, which evolves into Alolan Ninetales at level 4.

Trivia

Origin

Ninetales may be based on a red fox and the 狐 kitsune of Japanese legend, which are said to have many tails, extremely long lifespans, and supernatural powers such as the ability to breathe fire. After reaching an advanced age, kitsune take on spirit forms, which may explain why Ninetales can learn various Ghost-type and Psychic-type moves. Specifically, it may be based on the kyūbi no kitsune, whose fur turns white-gold after it has lived for 1,000 years and gains its ninth tail.

Alolan Ninetales may be based on an Arctic fox, which grows a white coat of fur in the winter to camouflage in the snow. Its mountain habitat and lore as a deity incarnation may be a reference to Poliʻahu, the Hawaiian goddess of snow who is said to reside on Mauna Kea. It could also be inspired by tulikettu, a mythical fox creature of Finnish lore whose radiant fur is said to be responsible for the creation of the northern lights. The Finnish word for aurora, revontulet, also literally translates to "fox fires" which could be intentional as Ninetales' original form is a Fire-type.

Name origin

Ninetales may be a combination of nine and tales, referring to fairy tales (alluding to it being based on a mythical creature) as well as being a homophone to tails. It may also reference the cat o' nine tails whip (due to its tendency to punish anyone who grabs its tails).

Kyukon may be a combination of 九 kyū (nine) or 九尾狐 kyūbiko (nine-tailed fox) and こん kon (onomatopoetic sound of a fox's cry). It may also involve 旧恨 kyūkon (old grudge) and 焜炉 konro (gas stove).

In other languages

See also

References