Rock Head prevents recoil on Head Smash and Double-Edge for Relicanth at C-Tier in Diamond & Pearl. Swift Swim adds rain potential, and Water/Rock-type attacks covers decent ground.
Ability 1Swift SwimAbility 1Doubles Speed during rain.Ability 2Rock HeadAbility 2Protects against recoil damage.
485HP100Attack90Defense130Speed55Sp.Def65Sp.Atk45
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
55Speed · Slow

Is Relicanth Good in Diamond & Pearl Playthrough?

Transfer-only Water/Rock from Hoenn. AbilityRock Head removes recoil. The physical/special split helps: physical Water moves like MoveWaterfall match Relicanth's Attack now. A novelty import with no specific purpose in Sinnoh.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGEGGGGGGGGEGSGERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2MayleneGym 3Crasher WakeGym 4FantinaGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8AaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4MarsBossJupiterBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*RelicanthCatchable
Roark
Gym 1
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Roark's team.

You Win
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Even
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Easy KO
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

Easy KO
Cherubi
Lv 19
Grass
Chlorophyll
Grass KnotLeech SeedGrowthSafeguard
You Win
Turtwig
Lv 19
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafWithdrawReflect
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Maylene
Gym 3
Even

Relicanth trades roughly evenly with Maylene's team.

Even
Meditite
Lv 27
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionMeditateDetect
Even
Machoke
Lv 27
Fighting
Guts
Brick BreakRock TombLeerForesight
Even
Lucario
Lv 30
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 4
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Crasher Wake's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 27
WaterFlying
Intimidate
BrineDragon RageBiteSwagger
Even
Quagsire
Lv 27
WaterGround
Damp
Mud BombSlamMud SportTail Whip
Even
Floatzel
Lv 30
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangPursuitSwift
Fantina
Gym 5
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Fantina's team.

Easy KO
Drifblim
Lv 32
GhostFlying
Aftermath
Ominous WindGustAstonishMinimize
You Win
Gengar
Lv 34
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawPoison JabSpiteConfuse Ray
Even
Mismagius
Lv 36
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Byron
Gym 6
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.

Even
Bronzor
Lv 36
SteelPsychic
Levitate
Flash CannonExtrasensoryConfuse RayHypnosis
Easy KO
Steelix
Lv 36
SteelGround
Rock Head
Gyro BallIce FangDragon BreathSandstorm
You Win
Bastiodon
Lv 39
RockSteel
Sturdy
Flash CannonAncient PowerIron DefenseRest
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

You Win
Snover
Lv 38
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheRazor LeafIngrainLeer
Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 38
DarkIce
Inner Focus
AvalancheSlashFeint AttackTaunt
Even
Medicham
Lv 40
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Ice PunchForce PalmDetectBulk Up
Even
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerGrass WhistleSwagger
Volkner
Gym 8
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Volkner's team.

You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamBrick BreakThunder WaveLight Screen
You Win
Ambipom
Lv 47
Normal
Technician
Shock WaveAgilityNasty PlotBaton Pass
Even
Octillery
Lv 47
Water
Suction Cups
Charge BeamOctazookaAurora BeamBullet Seed
You Win
Luxray
Lv 49
Electric
Rivalry
Charge BeamThunder FangCrunchThunder Wave
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

Easy KO
Dustox
Lv 53
BugPoison
Shield Dust
ToxicBug BuzzDouble TeamLight Screen
Easy KO
Beautifly
Lv 53
BugFlying
Swarm
Energy BallBug BuzzPsychicShadow Ball
Easy KO
Vespiquen
Lv 54
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
Even
Heracross
Lv 54
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
You Win
Drapion
Lv 57
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Bertha's team.

Even
Quagsire
Lv 55
WaterGround
Damp
DigDouble TeamProtectSandstorm
Easy KO
Sudowoodo
Lv 56
Rock
Sturdy
EarthquakeSucker PunchHammer ArmSandstorm
You Win
Golem
Lv 56
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeGyro BallBrick BreakSandstorm
Even
Whiscash
Lv 55
WaterGround
Oblivious
FissureAqua TailZen HeadbuttRock Slide
Even
Hippowdon
Lv 59
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchCurse
Flint
Elite Four
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Flint's team.

You Win
Rapidash
Lv 58
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Easy KO
Steelix
Lv 57
SteelGround
Rock Head
Fire FangRock TombScreechSunny Day
Easy KO
Drifblim
Lv 58
GhostFlying
Aftermath
Will O WispOminous WindDouble TeamBaton Pass
You Win
Lopunny
Lv 57
Normal
Cute Charm
Fire PunchCharmMirror CoatSunny Day
You Win
Infernape
Lv 61
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Relicanth trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

Even
Mr Mime
Lv 59
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
Even
Girafarig
Lv 59
NormalPsychic
Inner Focus
PsychicShadow BallDouble HitCrunch
Even
Medicham
Lv 60
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchFire PunchThunder PunchIce Punch
Even
Alakazam
Lv 60
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Bronzong
Lv 63
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Mars
Commander
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

Easy KO
Golbat
Lv 37
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 37
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
You Win
Purugly
Lv 39
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Jupiter
Commander
Strong

Relicanth resists most of Jupiter's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Zubat
Lv 18
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Easy KO
Skuntank
Lv 20
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Saturn
Commander
Good

Relicanth has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

You Win
Kadabra
Lv 38
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShock WaveRecoverEmbargo
You Win
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
You Win
Toxicroak
Lv 40
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorSwagger
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Relicanth trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

You Win
Spiritomb
Lv 61
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindEmbargo
Risky
Roserade
Lv 60
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombShadow BallExtrasensory
Even
Gastrodon
Lv 60
WaterGround
Sticky Hold
Muddy WaterEarthquakeStone EdgeSludge Bomb
Even
Lucario
Lv 63
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereDragon PulsePsychicEarthquake
Even
Milotic
Lv 63
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatAqua Ring
Even
Garchomp
Lv 66
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeBrick BreakGiga Impact

Catchable

Post-game only
Type
WaterRock
Tier
C

Catch Relicanth on Route 226 (Super Rod fishing, Lv 40-50, uncommon).

View Relicanth locations

Diamond & Pearl Relicanth Locations

Relicanth bites the Super Rod on one route, uncommon at level 40 to 50. The ancient fish lurks in that single deep stretch of water, so the best rod is the only way to draw it up.

Wild Relicanth may be holding when caught:

Deep Sea Scale (5% chance) Doubles Clamperl’s Special Defense. Traded on a Clamperl: Holder evolves into Gorebyss.

1 location to catch Relicanth

Encountered via fishing with a Rod

Badge 8
Post-Game

Best Locations to Catch Relicanth in Diamond & Pearl

How to Get Shiny Relicanth in Diamond & Pearl

Relicanth calls for the Day Care, so pair it with a foreign-language parent for a 1 in 1,638 egg. Compare Shiny Relicanth odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Relicanth in Diamond & PearlNormal
Shiny Relicanth in Diamond & Pearl Shiny
Color ShiftGraytoBlue
Shiny TierB Tier Shiny

Shiny Relicanth Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Relicanth does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Diamond & Pearl Shiny Relicanth Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in Diamond & Pearl

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

Planning a longer hunt? Set up Relicanth in the Diamond & Pearl Shiny Odds Calculator to compare every method side by side.

Relicanth Weakness

Grass, Electric, Fighting, and Ground moves hit Relicanth for super-effective damage. Grass hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Relicanth's physical bulk (base 130 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.

Relicanth Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
4x (Critical)Grass
2x (Weak)Electric, Fighting, Ground
0.5x (Resist)Normal, Ice, Poison, Flying
0.25x (Resist)Fire
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Relicanth Weak Against

Vulnerable
4Weak
5Resist
0Immune
Score-4
4xCritical
¼xResist
0xImmune
None

What is Relicanth Strong Against

6Strong
0Resisted
0Immune
Score+6
½xResisted
None
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Relicanth

Exeggutor
Exeggutor
GrassPsychic
C
Torterra
Torterra
GrassGround
C
Roserade
Roserade
GrassPoison
B
Breloom
Breloom
GrassFighting
A
Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B

Relicanth Evolutions

What you see is what you get. Relicanth sits outside any evolution chain, so focus on the egg moves and plenty of partners from two egg groups. Eggs take forever to hatch. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Relicanth
#369Relicanth
Does not evolve

Breeding

Moderate

Breed Relicanth with 69 breeding partners from the Water 1 and Water 2 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Amnesia, Aqua Tail, Magnitude and 6 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Water 1Water 2
Gender
♂87.5%♀12.5%
Hatch Time
40 cycles·10,280 steps
Slow~10 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
9moves
Breed With (best first)
gyaradosazumarillblastoisegolduckferaligatrkingdraswampertslowbroslowkingoctilleryludicolodewgong

DP Relicanth Best Moveset

130 Defense and 100 HP make Relicanth physically durable, and AbilityRock Head removes recoil from physical moves. The moveset tanks hits and fires back with physical Water and Rock coverage. 55 Speed means always going second.

Best Build

Experimental
Bulky Support
Ability
Rock Head
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Relicanth

Relicanth best EVs are Defense and Attack

EVs

Bulky Support Moveset

  • Head SmashSTAB
  • WaterfallSTAB
  • EarthquakeCoverage
  • Double Edge

Moves List

Don't skip the egg moves. Relicanth picks up Amnesia and Aqua Tail only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Head Smash and Hydro Pump while Normal and Ice coverage and more adds range.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Harden
D——30Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D3510035Normal
Lv 8
Water Gun
—6010025Water
Lv 15
Rock Tomb
C909510Rock
Lv 22
Yawn
D——10Normal
Lv 29
Take Down
C908520Normal
Lv 36
Mud Sport
———15Ground
Lv 43
Ancient Power
D901005Rock
Lv 50
Double-Edge
B12010015Normal
Lv 57
Dive
C12010010Water
Lv 64
Rest
C——10Psychic
Lv 71
Hydro Pump
D180805Water
Lv 78
Head Smash
S225805Rock

TM Moves

35 of 37 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM14
BlizzardLake Acuitybadge 2
D120705Ice
TM55D9710010Water
TM04
Calm MindExchange Service Corner building in the Battle Park, entered through the Fight Area gatehouse
C——20Psychic
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM26B10010010Ground
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
C7010020Normal
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM68
Giga ImpactVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
B150905Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Corner
D6010015Normal
TM15
Hyper BeamVeilstone Department Storebadge 2
C150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamRoute 216badge 2
D9510010Ice
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17
Protect+4Veilstone Department Storebadge 2
C——10Normal
TM77
Psych UpRoute 211badge 4
———10Normal
TM44
RestVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Psychic
TM27
ReturnVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM69
Rock PolishMt. Coronetbadge 6
B——20Rock
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
C1129010Rock
HM06
Rock SmashOreburgh Gate
D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
C909510Rock
TM20
SafeguardVeilstone Department Storebadge 2
D——25Normal
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM76
Stealth RockPrize for defeating Roarkbadge 1
C——20Rock
TM71
Stone EdgeVictory Roadnot until badge 8
C150805Rock
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
HM03
SurfCelestic Townbadge 4
C14210015Water
TM87
SwaggerTM in Mr Backlot office in the Pokémon Mansion on Route 212badge 2
——9015Normal
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 2
C—8510Poison
TM03
Water PulseRavaged Pathbadge 5
D9010020Water
HM07
WaterfallSunyshore Citynot until badge 8
B12010015Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Amnesia
D——20Psychic
Egg
Aqua Tail
C1359010Water
Egg
Magnitude
——10030Ground
Egg
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Egg
Rock Slide
C1129010Rock
Egg
Skull Bash
—10010010Normal
Egg
Sleep Talk
C——10Normal
Egg
Snore
D4010015Normal
Egg
Water Sport
———15Water

Tutor Moves

Relicanth can't learn any Tutor moves

Transfer Moves

Gen
Gen 3
Body Slam
C8510015Normal
Gen 3
Mimic
———10Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP100
B
Attack90
B
Defense130
A
Sp. Atk45
D
Sp. Def65
C
Speed55
D
Total485
Details
Catch Rate
Difficult25 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.0 m
Weight23.4 kg
Base XP170
Abilities
Swift Swim
Doubles Speed during rain.
Rock Head
Protects against recoil damage.
EV Yield
HP+1AtkDef+1SpASpDSpe
HP training target
Pokedex Entry

A rare Pokémon discovered during a deep-sea exploration. It has not changed in over 100 million years.

Pokemon Diamond / Pokemon Pearl

Relicanth Diamond & Pearl Guide

  • Yes. Wild Relicanth in Diamond & Pearl can hold Deep Sea Scale (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Deep Sea Scale.

  • Yes. Relicanth is a post-game Pokemon. You need to defeat the Elite Four and enter the Hall of Fame first. Relicanth becomes available after the main story is complete in Diamond & Pearl.

  • In Diamond & Pearl, use Relicanth as a balanced. Physical side carries the damage. Not the fastest, Waterfall is the primary attack.

  • For Diamond & Pearl, build your team around Tyranitar, Rhyperior, and Cradily. These have the highest co-usage rates with Relicanth in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • For Diamond & Pearl, run Adamant on Relicanth. +Attack is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the balanced role.

Game Availability

Relicanth first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 14 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.

Explore

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