Shiny Stunfisk: Catch Rates, Stats & Battle Power
Shiny Stunfisk in Pokémon GO is a rare variant with blue fins instead of yellow. Both regular and Galarian forms have shiny versions, with different release dates and distinct appearances.
What is Shiny Stunfisk?
Shiny Stunfisk is a coveted variant of the Trap Pokémon in Pokémon GO. This flat, fish-like Pokémon exists in two forms: the original Unovan Stunfisk (Ground/Electric type) and Galarian Stunfisk (Ground/Steel type). The shiny version of regular Stunfisk features distinctive blue coloration on its fins instead of the standard yellow, while Shiny Galarian Stunfisk has a color scheme reminiscent of the original Unovan form.
For many trainers, obtaining these shiny variants represents a significant achievement in their collection journey. The original Shiny Stunfisk was released in Pokémon GO on April 23, 2023, during the Stunfisk Limited Research Day event, while Shiny Galarian Stunfisk has been available since August 15, 2021.
Both forms of Stunfisk have proven to be valuable assets in PvP battles, particularly in the Great League and Ultra League. Their unique typing and movesets make them formidable opponents, which adds to the appeal of their shiny variants.
Physical Characteristics of Shiny Stunfisk
Regular Stunfisk Appearance
Regular Stunfisk is a flat, fish-like Pokémon with a broad, mud-brown body. Its most distinctive feature is the yellow marking at the base of its tail, shaped like an exclamation mark when viewed from behind. These markings can generate electricity, which the Pokémon uses to zap unsuspecting prey. It has small, horizontal, oval-shaped eyes that are white with tiny black pupils and no irises. Between these eyes are two thick gray lips that form its mouth.
The Pokémon has two small, flimsy fins at the sides of its body, each with two lobes. Despite their appearance, these fins can be flapped like wings to keep Stunfisk airborne for short periods. The standard coloration of Stunfisk includes a mud-brown body with yellow fins and tail markings.
Shiny Stunfisk Differences
The shiny version of regular Stunfisk maintains the same overall body structure but features a significant color change. The most noticeable difference is that the fins and tail markings, which are yellow in the regular form, become blue in the shiny variant. This blue coloration gives Shiny Stunfisk a distinctive appearance that many trainers find appealing.
According to player reviews on ShinyRating, many consider this shiny variant to be underrated, with fans appreciating how the blue accent color “pops” against the brown body. Some players have described it as a “cool blue shiny” that offers a refreshing change from the standard coloration.
Galarian Stunfisk Appearance
Galarian Stunfisk differs significantly from its Unovan counterpart. It has a grayish-brown body with three green markings that resemble footprints or leaves. Unlike the original form, Galarian Stunfisk cannot generate electricity. Instead, it has adapted to its environment by developing stronger fins that function like a bear trap.
One of the most distinctive features of Galarian Stunfisk is its mouth, which is red and white and resembles a Poké Ball. It uses this mouth as bait, leaving it visible to lure prey before snapping its fins shut to trap them. This adaptation makes Galarian Stunfisk the only known Pokémon capable of using the move Snap Trap.
Shiny Galarian Stunfisk Differences
Shiny Galarian Stunfisk features a color scheme that pays homage to the original Unovan Stunfisk. While regular Galarian Stunfisk has green markings on its body, the shiny variant replaces these with yellow-orange markings that resemble the coloration of the standard Unovan form.
This color change creates an interesting connection between the two regional variants, with the shiny Galarian form appearing as a blend of both designs. Some players have described this as a “nice throwback to its Unovan equivalent,” though opinions on whether this design choice is creative or lazy vary among the community.
How to Obtain Shiny Stunfisk in Pokémon GO
Regular Stunfisk Shiny Hunting Methods
The shiny version of regular Stunfisk was first released in Pokémon GO during the Stunfisk Limited Research Day on April 23, 2023. During this event, trainers had an increased chance of encountering Shiny Stunfisk by completing Field Research tasks obtained from spinning Photo Discs at PokéStops.
Currently, trainers can obtain Shiny Stunfisk through several methods:
- Wild Encounters: Stunfisk can appear in the wild, though it’s not among the most common spawns. During certain events, its spawn rate may increase, offering better chances to find a shiny.
- Field Research Tasks: Completing specific Field Research tasks can reward trainers with Stunfisk encounters, with a chance for these to be shiny.
- Raids: When Stunfisk appears as a raid boss, defeating it gives trainers a chance to catch it, with the possibility of encountering a shiny variant.
- Special Events: Pokémon GO frequently features events that boost the spawn rates of specific Pokémon, including Stunfisk, often with increased shiny rates.
The shiny rate for Stunfisk outside of special events is estimated to be the standard rate of approximately 1 in 500 encounters, making it a relatively rare find for most trainers.
Galarian Stunfisk Shiny Hunting Methods
Shiny Galarian Stunfisk has been available in Pokémon GO since August 15, 2021. Trainers can obtain this variant through several methods:
- Wild Encounters: Galarian Stunfisk can be found in the wild, though it’s considered a rare spawn outside of specific events.
- 7km Eggs: Galarian Stunfisk can hatch from 7km eggs, which are obtained from gifts sent by friends.
- Raids: When featured as a raid boss, Galarian Stunfisk can be caught after being defeated, with a chance to encounter its shiny form.
- Field Research Tasks: Completing certain Field Research tasks can reward trainers with Galarian Stunfisk encounters.
- Trading: If a friend has a Shiny Galarian Stunfisk, they can trade it to you, though this requires a significant amount of Stardust if it’s not already registered in your Pokédex.
Special events, such as the Strength of Steel event (Ultra Unlock Part 2), have featured increased spawn rates for Galarian Stunfisk with boosted shiny chances. During such events, trainers have better odds of finding this rare variant.
Limited Research Day Events
The Stunfisk Limited Research Day on April 23, 2023, was a significant event for trainers seeking Shiny Stunfisk. During this three-hour event (from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time), trainers could complete Limited Field Research tasks to encounter both regular and Galarian Stunfisk, with increased shiny rates.
This event marked the debut of Shiny Stunfisk in Pokémon GO and provided the best opportunity for trainers to add this variant to their collection. The event featured:
- Limited Field Research tasks available from spinning PokéStops
- Increased spawn rates for both Stunfisk forms
- Boosted shiny rates compared to regular gameplay
- Special bonuses for the duration of the event
Similar limited research events may occur in the future, offering trainers additional opportunities to hunt for these shiny variants with improved odds.
Battle Effectiveness of Stunfisk in Pokémon GO
Regular Stunfisk in PvP
Regular Stunfisk, with its Ground/Electric typing, offers a unique combination that gives it advantages in certain battle scenarios. In the Great League, Stunfisk can be used effectively at levels 25 to 29, with the optimal IV spread being 0/13/14 at level 27 for maximum performance.
For the Ultra League, Stunfisk requires significant investment, needing to be powered up to level 40-50. The best IV spread for Ultra League is 15/15/15 (perfect IVs) at level 50, which requires XL Candy to achieve.
Stunfisk’s best moveset includes:
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charged Moves: Discharge and Mud Bomb
This combination provides good coverage against various types and benefits from Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for increased damage. The low energy cost of Mud Shot allows Stunfisk to charge its moves quickly, making it a threat in shield-baiting scenarios.
Galarian Stunfisk in PvP
Galarian Stunfisk, with its Ground/Steel typing, has become one of the most used Pokémon in the Great League and Ultra League meta. Its typing gives it resistance to many common types while only being vulnerable to Fighting, Ground, Fire, and Water moves.
In the Great League, Galarian Stunfisk performs optimally at levels 25 to 29, with the best IV spread being 0/13/14 at level 27. For the Ultra League, like its Unovan counterpart, it requires powering up to level 50 with perfect IVs (15/15/15) for maximum effectiveness.
The best moveset for Galarian Stunfisk in PvP is:
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charged Moves: Rock Slide and Earthquake
Metal Claw and Earthquake form the best combination for gym attacks, offering the highest total DPS. However, for PvP battles, Mud Shot is preferred for its energy generation despite dealing less damage than Metal Claw.
Comparison in Battle Leagues
Both forms of Stunfisk have established themselves as strong contenders in the PvP meta, particularly in the Great League. However, Galarian Stunfisk generally outperforms its Unovan counterpart due to its more favorable typing and move pool.
In the Great League, Galarian Stunfisk ranks higher in the tier list, often considered a top-tier pick that can threaten many meta-relevant Pokémon. Its ability to apply shield pressure with Rock Slide while threatening massive damage with Earthquake makes it a versatile attacker and defender.
In the Ultra League, both variants require significant investment to be competitive, but Galarian Stunfisk again edges out its counterpart in overall performance. The higher CP cap of the Ultra League allows Galarian Stunfisk to leverage its bulk and powerful moves against a wider range of opponents.
For trainers looking to invest in just one form for PvP battles, Galarian Stunfisk generally offers better returns on investment across multiple battle leagues.
Habitat and Behavior of Stunfisk
Natural Habitat
According to Pokédex entries, regular Stunfisk lives in mud flats and coastal areas. It has developed organs to generate electricity thanks to bacteria that lived alongside it. Stunfisk typically buries itself in the mud of the seashore and waits for prey to pass by.
Stunfisk can commonly be found near:
- Industrial buildings
- College campuses
- Dry climates
- Open fields
- Beaches
- Ditches
- Streams
- Railways
- Airports
Galarian Stunfisk, on the other hand, has adapted to living in mud with high iron content, which has given it a strong steel body instead of electric capabilities. It is usually found in similar locations to its Unovan counterpart but is particularly common near railroad tracks and within cities.
Hunting Behavior
Both forms of Stunfisk employ ambush tactics to catch prey, though their methods differ slightly. Regular Stunfisk buries itself in mud and waits for unsuspecting prey to step on it. When touched, it delivers a jolt of electricity to paralyze its victim. Interestingly, Stunfisk is known to smile when electrocuting its foes, though the reason for this behavior remains unknown.
If regular Stunfisk cannot paralyze its prey with electricity, it can contort its body with surprising speed and flop away to safety.
Galarian Stunfisk uses a different approach, leveraging its Poké Ball-like mouth as bait. It leaves its red and white mouth visible to lure in curious prey, then snaps its trap-like fins shut when the prey approaches, preventing escape. This adaptation has made it the only Pokémon capable of using the move Snap Trap.
Both forms have developed tough skin that keeps them unharmed if stepped on, even by sumo wrestlers, allowing them to remain concealed until the perfect moment to strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shiny Stunfisk released in Pokémon GO?
Shiny regular Stunfisk was released in Pokémon GO on April 23, 2023, during the Stunfisk Limited Research Day event. This event ran from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time and featured increased spawn rates and shiny chances for both regular and Galarian Stunfisk.
Shiny Galarian Stunfisk was released earlier, on August 15, 2021, giving trainers more time to hunt for this variant.
What are the best IVs for Stunfisk in PvP?
For both regular and Galarian Stunfisk in the Great League, the optimal IV spread is 0/13/14 at level 27. This combination maximizes their performance within the 1,500 CP cap of the Great League.
For the Ultra League, both forms perform best with perfect IVs (15/15/15) at level 50, though this requires a significant investment of XL Candy to achieve.
Can Stunfisk evolve in Pokémon GO?
No, neither regular Stunfisk nor Galarian Stunfisk can evolve in Pokémon GO. They are single-stage Pokémon with no evolutions in any Pokémon game.
What is the best moveset for Stunfisk in battles?
For regular Stunfisk, the best PvP moveset is Mud Shot as the fast move, with Discharge and Mud Bomb as charged moves. This combination provides good coverage and benefits from STAB damage.
For Galarian Stunfisk, the optimal PvP moveset is Mud Shot as the fast move, with Rock Slide and Earthquake as charged moves. For gym attacks, Metal Claw and Earthquake provide the highest DPS.
What are the odds of finding a Shiny Stunfisk?
Outside of special events, the shiny rate for both forms of Stunfisk is estimated to be the standard rate of approximately 1 in 500 encounters. During special events like Limited Research Days, these odds can be significantly improved, sometimes to rates as favorable as 1 in 25 or better.
Which form of Stunfisk is better for PvP battles?
Galarian Stunfisk generally outperforms regular Stunfisk in PvP battles across all leagues. Its Ground/Steel typing provides better defensive coverage, and its move pool allows for more versatile play. In the current meta, Galarian Stunfisk ranks higher on tier lists for both Great League and Ultra League.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
