Carvanha is technically a pre-evolution of Sharpedo, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Speed Boost raises its Speed every turn it stays in, adding extra value. Psychic moves can't touch it, which offsets the 5 weaknesses somewhat.
Carvanha's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Defense trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Attack EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
They swarm any foe that invades their territory. Their sharp fangs can tear out boat hulls.
Carvanha Weakness
AvgType-wise, Carvanha takes extra damage from Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that.
Carvanha evolves into Sharpedo. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 155 stat points total.
How to Evolve
The Sash lets Carvanha ignore defensive shortcomings for one turn. Use that turn to deal early damage, and Speed Boost squeezes extra value from the position. Max Attack and Speed EVs push damage output.
Best Build
Best Carvanha Moveset
- Protect
- Destiny Bond
- Waterfall
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Carvanha's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 7 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breeding's the move. Ancient Power and Destiny Bond give Carvanha options it can't learn any other way, and Poison and Ice coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Hydro Pump and Surf. The egg moves push it further.
Breeding's the move. Ancient Power and Destiny Bond give Carvanha options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Hydro Pump and Surf. The egg moves push it further.
Breeding's the move. Ancient Power and Brine give Carvanha options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Hydro Pump and Surf. The egg moves push it further.
Carvanha doesn't appear in Legends: Z-A. Transfer it from Ruby, Emerald, or Ultra Sun to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Easy grab on Carvanha with high spawn rates across 16 locations in early-game fishing spots. Two different catch methods are in play here. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Carvanha. 16 fishing and walking spots at Lv. 15-63 spread across Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Carvanha is available from mid-game fishing spots onward at high spawn rates. 2 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Carvanha appears at decent spawn rates across 8 spots in early-game fishing spots. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Carvanha is a fishing-only catch in this game. 8 spots at Lv. 10-49 using Super Rod, so bring the right rod and check the rates on each location.
Carvanha isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Sharpedo to unlock its full potential. At 305 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Carvanha evolves into Sharpedo at level 30. Carvanha is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Speed Boost on Carvanha. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Carvanha also gets Rough Skin, but they don't compare.
Carvanha fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 90 Attack. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Carvanha appears in 15 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Carvanha first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 15 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A
