It’s very difficult to choose the cutest Water-type Pokémon because there are so many of them. From Pokémon that look like otters to ones that look like penguins, Water-types have run the gamut of adorable animals, creatures, and much more.
While some types, like Fire or Steel, are more focused on being intense and strong, Water-types are often playful and spunky. These traits lend themselves to a ton of Water-type Pokémon that are cute as heck when they splash around at the beach or blow bubbles at their enemies. Here are some of the cutest Water-types in Pokémon.
10 Dewpider
Sometimes things are cute not because they have the typical attributes of cuteness, like large eyes, big smiles, or lovable attitudes. Sometimes cuteness comes from being small and confused but trying your best. This is the case with Dewpider, who isn’t cute in a typical way.
Rather, Dewpider is adorable in the way it looks like a little nerdy spider that is happy and curious. This Bug/Water-type was introduced in Generation VII and evolves into the somewhat-intimidating Araquanid. It’s lovable and cute in a weird way.
9 Horsea
One of the original cute Pokémon broadcast to the world was Horsea, a pure Water-type that was introduced in Generation I. This cute seahorse Pokémon was present in the anime under Misty’s ownership, by which it was widely popularized.
Horsea is basically a seahorse with little wings. How could that not be adorable? It actually has a few stages of appeal through its evolution. It’s cute as Horsea, intimidating as a Seadra, and beautiful as a Kingdra. Not many evolutionary families can boast that type of development.
8 Azumarill
It’s difficult to choose between Marill and Azumarill. Both are cute in different ways. Unfortunately, Azurill, the cutest, smallest member of this evolutionary line, is not Water-type. Marill and Azumarill are, though, being dual-type Water/Fairy Pokémon, as of Generation VI.
Azumarill wins out over Marill in some cases, and in other cases, the reverse is true. They’re both round, small, mousy rabbit-like creatures. The floppy ears on Azumarill really just push it over the edge of cuteness, though. And of course, who can forget that adorable springy tail?
7 Wooper
While the Azumarill is cute basically throughout its evolutionary development, the same can’t be said for Wooper. This small axolotl-like Pokémon is truly adorable, but it won’t stay that way forever. It always has a huge smile, and it’s often shown splashing around in rivers.
Wooper was introduced in Generation II and evolves into Quagsire. That’s when the cuteness fades. While Wooper is endearing, Quagsire is a horrifying blob of ugliness. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be as appealing as Wooper, but it admittedly makes sense, as Quagsire is supposed to be like a Giant Salamander. Oh well.
6 Buizel
Weasels aren’t typically considered the most adorable animals by the masses, but they do have many fans. Luckily, Buizel, which is based on weasels, can capture a few more hearts. This little orange river ott/sea weasel Pokémon is definitely cute, and many people seem to think so.
Ash had a Buizel in the anime, which definitely contributed to its popularity. Any Water-type that is anthropomorphic and can battle on land is also bumped up in popularity over the generic fish of the Pokémon world, too.
5 Oshawott
In the real world, otters are arguably one of the cutest animals that have ever existed. They’re already cute-looking, but then they also hold hands when they sleep. What’s more heartbreakingly adorable than that? Oh, and they also collect a favorite rock or shell and hang onto it basically forever.
Translate that into the Pokémon world, and the cuteness might just be too much. Oshawott is based on a sea otter, and its shell decal represents how real-life otters will crack open shells to eat. It’s just too cute to be real.
4 Spheal
Spheal might not be the first Pokémon that comes to mind when people think of cute Water-types, but it definitely is cute. This big round ball of blubber is very happy and playful, and its little flippers being flopped back and forth as it waddles is unbearably cute.
Collectors of the Pokémon TCG might be familiar with how cute Spheal can be. Many Spheal cards have adorable art of this Water/Ice-type flopping around on the ice flows, jumping and spinning out of the water, and just being a generally adorable little ball.
3 Mudkip
Ranking 6th in Hoenn for the recent Pokémon of the Year vote, Mudkip is no stranger to being widely-beloved by fans. This small starter Pokémon from Generation III has long been adored by the fanbase, especially because of its cuteness.
There’s just something so adorable about its derpy face, little feet, and wiggly tail. The orange detailing on its cheeks make it look chubby and small, and it’s one of the few Water-types that looks like it would be cuddly (and not slimy).
2 Totodile
Many things are cute because they’re a small, happy version of something that’s typically much larger and angry or intense. This is what makes Totodile so appealing. It’s a tiny crocodile that just wants to have fun and be loved.
Much of Totodile’s official art shows it with its hands up and its mouth beaming open with a large smile. This definitely helps make it one of the cutest starter Pokémon. All of Johto’s starters are actually adorable. Game Freak did a good job in Generation II.
1 Piplup
Of course, a starter Pokémon finds itself at #1 on a list of cutest Water-types. The starters are almost always made to be adorable and lovable in their base stages. This is, of course, true for Piplup, the Water-type starter introduced in Generation IV.
Piplup resembles a small penguin with a large, round head and big eyes. The little beak that chirps happily and its small flippers that it uses to hold tiny bits of food to eat is all too much to handle. Piplup really is the whole cute package.
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