General Information

Croconaw derives from "Crocodile" and "Gnaw". Its appearance is that of a crocodile or alliagtor type creature and Gnaw is a play on its huge jaws. Its PokeDex entry reads that if it clams onto something, it will refuse to let go. Its Japanese name "Aligates" is derivited from Alligator. Since the entire evolutionary line is based off of Crocodilian-type animals. I also believe, besides the "Cro" being part of the word "Crocodile", that it could quite possibly come from "Cromagnon", which is the scientific name for Early man or Caveman. Croconaw's body resembles the pattern of a popular pop culture prehistoric man outfit (see Fred Flinstone) and it resembles more of a dinosaur rather than a crocodile. Croconaw, since it is a water type, is colored blue with orange spikes, I'm guessing because Orange is the complement of blue. There are no specific color or physiological differences between male and female Croconaws. Shiny Croconaws are a bright aqua color with blue spikes.

In the games, Croconaw evolves from Totodile at level 18. It is a water type so it is weak against electric and grass. It has a good resistance to steel, fire, water, and ice. Since Totodile is a starter in gold, silver, and crystal, this makes Croconaw unobtainable in other versions unless you are able to trade.

In the Anime

Croconaw, not being a very popular Pokemon, has had very little exposure in the anime. Croconaw appears in the first episode or two of "Pokemon Chronicles" and appears in the episodes "The Mother of all Battles" and "The Champ Twins" as a Pokemon belonging to a Ranger and one of the twins. Attacks seen include Bubble, Scratch, and Watergun. Below are some screenshots and examples of Croconaw in the anime.