Over the years, the legendary cherub-like spirits, and of course, many creatures based on real-life aquatic animals and phenomena. As such, some of the cutest water-type Pokémon are based on creatures that are generally considered cute in real life.
There are exceptions, though, and the Pokémon franchise's ability to sell everything from an already cute animal to an unusual concept as a cute little pocket monster is on full display in this type. From starter Pokémon to aquatic critters that can only be found by fishing, these Pokémon represent some of the cutest that the water type has to offer.
Wishiwashi
The tiny, helpless-looking fish Pokémon from Gen 7 is quite the cutie, with its small size only being emphasized by its little fins and its giant eye that looks to be on the verge of tears. These eyes, combined with Wishiwashi's open-mouthed frown, make it difficult not to fall in love with this fish.
Since Wishiwashi is so small, though, it has developed the ability to school together with others of its species into a giant, intimidating fish-shaped pod. Even though this form is daunting, its enormity underscores the cuteness of each individual fish that makes up its massive form.
Spheal
Based on a seal, the water-and-ice-type Pokémon Spheal is notable for its round shape, a spherical version of the semi-aquatic mammals that is made adorable by its strange shape. Because of this rotund figure, Spheal's flippers are adorably small, as is its tail fin.
Rounding out Spheal's cuteness are its shiny button eyes and little fangs poking out of its mouth, suggesting a fierce nature behind that innocent face. With small ears and spots on its back, Spheal has waddled its way into Pokémon fans' hearts, setting a standard for cute sea mammals for generations to come.
Ducklett
In the New York-inspired Kalos Region, the water-and-flying-type Pokémon Ducklett first made an appearance and an impression on fans of cute Pokémon. Although its evolution into Swanna suggests a reference to The Ugly Duckling, Ducklett's oval baby-doll eyes are undeniable.
Taking on all of the cute qualities of real-life ducklings, Ducklett also stands out for its teal coloring and a group of feathers around its "waist" that resemble an inflatable swim ring. This feature points to Ducklett's youth, a quality that emphasizes the duckling Pokémon's adorable quality.
Froakie
Although it eventually evolves into the effortlessly cool ninja frog Greninja, Froakie is a quite adorable and innocent-seeming starter Pokémon from Gen 6. While real-life frogs may not seem cuddly, they certainly have a lot of cute factors to their appearance, including their small size and big eyes.
Froakie carries over those qualities into the world of Pokémon, with its bright yellow eyes making up most of its head. Perhaps even more adorable, though, is Froakie's foamy accouterments made out of bubbles, including a collar that appears to double as a backpack-shaped feature, giving this amphibian a somewhat fluffy appearance.
Totodile
The Gen 2 water starter doesn't seem like a candidate for cuteness based on its description alone. It's a crocodile-like creature with a big, toothy mouth and a spiny tail. If anything, it sounds like a ferocious and dangerous creature, and while it can certainly pack a punch in battle, Totodile is ultimately a loveable lizard.
As with many other cute Pokémon, Totodile's eyes are its most striking feature, being big and innocent-looking, despite the fact that they are perched above a dangerous-looking jaw. Even Totodile's teeth and tail spikes aren't that threatening, though, as they are few and far between. Further, Totodile's appearances in the franchise usually display an adorably playful demeanor.
Mantyke
The baby Pokémon version of Mantine, Mantyke is a water-and-flying type with a unique method of evolution that involves it pairing off with a Remoraid in a symbiotic relationship. Before evolving, though, Mantyke's small size and relative roundness (for a manta ray, that is) make it quite the cute sight.
Mantyke's tiny fins are offset by long antennae on its head, suggesting the little guy still has some growing to do. Cuter still are its captivating eyes and the markings around them which make it look as though Mantyke has little eyelashes. These little bits of personality are what push Mantyke's cuteness over the top.
Popplio
Before evolving into the majestic Brionne and Primarina, Gen 7 starter Popplio is a little less graceful and a lot more adorable. Based on sea lions and seals, especially the performing kind, Popplio is notable for its clownish pink nose at the end of its snout, as well as the cute frill around its neck.
Even without these circus-themed elements, though, Popplio is an adorable seal, with its flapping fins and big, shining eyes. Perhaps referencing its clown-inspired origins, Popplio is also usually depicted with a smile on its face, suggesting a youthful optimism sure to swell fans' hearts.
Squirtle
The original adorable water starter, Squirtle is the first water type in the Pokédex and, as such, has set a standard for the type's potential for adorableness. Inspired by a turtle, Squirtle is a baby blue critter with a plump shell adding to its appeal, as its round head and body create a simplistic cuteness.
Beyond its basic shape, Squirtle's features are also quite adorable, especially its shining, inquisitive eyes, as well as its curly tail. In many depictions, Squirtle endearingly stands up on its two hind legs, and the anime features the famous Squirtle Squad, whose sunglasses are both casually cool and effortlessly adorable.
Piplup
Based on a penguin, the blue-hued water starter from Gen 4 is Piplup, an absolutely adorable bundle of feathers with one of the cutest names in the series. Since baby penguins are already pretty cute, many of Piplup's cutest features are just carried over from baby penguins, but it's still a unique bird with its own adorable features.
First of all, Piplup's head is big and round, as are its eyes, making its little beak and body all the more endearing. Also, this tiny penguin is covered in fluffy feathers and distinctive markings that really emphasize just what a sweet Pokémon Piplup probably would be, despite its more imposing evolutions.
Oshawott
The sea otter is one of the cutest sea mammals out there, and the otter-inspired water starter from Gen 5 (and the Pokémon Legends: Arceus), Oshawott, is one of the cutest water Pokémon out there, uncoincidentally. With a blue coat of fur that looks like an actual fluffy coat and little dark blue ears and a tail, Oshawott has plenty of little details that up the cuteness level.
With big eyes and a plump, round nose, Oshawott definitely has a loveable face. The most notable feature, however, may be the weaponized shell that is the staple of its entire evolutionary line. Wearing the shell on its chest while also being able to take it off and use it as a weapon is stealthily dangerous and definitely adorable.
