While exploring the vast oceans in any ofPokemon’slush regions, you’re bound to stumble upon a Pokemon that resembles a real-life creature. There are plenty of fish-like Pokemon in the sea, but there is also a decent amount of crab and lobster Pokemon that can become valuable party members ordelicious meals for the locals.
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Almost every generation of Pokemon has introduced at least one new crab or lobster Pokemon to the National Pokedex. Each one has an ability or skill that allows them to stand apart from the other crustaceans, though some of them are not as viable as others if you’re looking to add an aquatic animal to your team that can get you out of trouble in a pinch.
6Clauncher & Clawitzer
Clauncher and its evolution, Clawitzer, are ambiguous enough that some may not consider them a crab or lobster at first sight. While it would be easy to dismiss the pair as being more shrimp-like, their giant claws and tough shells make them more of an ambiguous hybrid between multiple species, including lobster.
Introduced in Pokemon X and Y, Clauncher and Clawitzer are solid Water-type Pokemon that can usually be found on the beach or in the water. Clauncher evolves into Clawitzer starting at level 37, and they both use their claws to deal massive damage with strong physical and special attacks.
5Dwebble & Crustle
Most Pokemon that resemble crabs or lobsters are typically Water-types in some form, butPokemon Black and Whiteintroduced a couple of crustaceans that broke the tradition. Dwebble and Crustle are inspired by the hermit-crab species and are Bug and Rock-type Pokemon commonly found in drier areas such as deserts and mountains.
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Both Pokemon received a boost in popularity after appearing inPokemon Uniteand becoming some of thebest Defenders in the game. However, it’s still easy to forget about the pair when thinking about the best and strongest Pokemon. Crustle’s high defense is helpful, but it hardly makes up for its low base speed and health stats.
4Corphish & Crawdaunt
Pokemon Gold and Silver introduced one of the few generations without any new crab or lobster Pokemon, which helped make Corphish and Crawdaunt a much bigger surprise when they were first revealed in Ruby and Sapphire. Though they also resemble crayfish, their red coloring and tails have always made them feel more like lobsters than anything else.
Corphish is an incredibly common Water-type Pokemon that can evolve into Crawdaunt once it reaches level 30. Crawdaunt is a Water and Dark-type that loves to fight and is often seen working alongside opposing teams of trainers. Corphish and its evolution are both decent Pokemon, but they don’t excel in anything, which doesn’t make them worth having on your team for long.
3Klawf
Klawf was one of the first Pokemon to be revealed before the launch ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetand is very different from the crab-based Pokemon we have seen so far. Like Dwebble and Crustle, Klawf is not a Water-type like the other crustaceans but is a Rock-type instead with solid defense and attack stats.
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Not only does Klawf have a unique type compared to the crab and lobster Pokemon, but it’s alsothe only one without an evolution. While Klawf could have easily been another Water-type with a slightly-stronger second form, it’s refreshing to see new Pokemon that don’t feel as predictable as they used to be.
2Krabby & Kingler
There is always a first for everything, and Krabby and Kingler are the original crab Pokemon. Introduced during the first generation, both became more popular after appearing in the anime when Ash catches a Krabby and eventually uses its evolved form tohelp him in the Indigo League.
Krabby is common in almost every region of Pokemon’s vast world, though you won’t find them in Kalos, Alola, or Paldea. This Water-type Pokemon evolves into Kingler - which remains the same type - starting at level 28 and quickly becomes an essential part of any team thanks to its strength, high defense, and ability to learn powerful physical and special attacks.
1Crabrawler & Crabominable
When the Pokemon franchise introduces the same type of creature repeatedly, they start feeling redundant and unnecessary. One of the reasons there areso many dog-inspired Pokemonis that they can come in many shapes and sizes, making them perfect foundations for creating bold new Pokemon designs and concepts. Crabs and lobsters, on the other hand, are usually aquatic animals, which is why all of them seem incredibly similar to each other.
Pokemon Sun and Moonfinally broke the mold and introduced a pair of crustaceans with new types and abilities unlike anything before them. Crabrawler is a Fighting-type that can still learn Water-type moves, which can be very handy in certain situations. It can evolve into Crabominable - a Fighting and Ice-type Pokemon - after leveling up in specific locations or when it is exposed to an Ice Stone. The pair provided a breath of fresh air, and hopefully, the next Pokemon inspired by crabs or lobsters can also bring something new to the table.
