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. No compatible partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 155 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Carvanha easily from the Water2 egg group.
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
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
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