Torkoal

Torkoal is a Fire-type Pokémon which first appeared in the Generation III games, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions. It is an orange tortoise who wears a black shell that has coal vents on it. Torkoal sometimes blows smoke out of its nostrils. It is capable of using powerful Fire-type moves such as Lava Plume or Heat Wave. Torkoal does not have any evolutions.

Pokémon series
Generally, Torkoal is considered an underused Pokémon. Its defense is its best stat, but its speed is very low, considering that is it based upon a tortoise. Nevertheless, Torkoal has some uses because it learns quite a few useful moves, namely Curse, Sludge Bomb, and Explosion. Curse is one of it's best, since is speed stat is already extremely low, it doesn't mean much to have it down, and it's tanking abilities only go up.

Torkoal also makes an excellent tank thanks to its good defensive stats and the ability to learn Iron Defense and Amnesia by leveling up. Coupled with Rest and an offensive move, Torkoal will stick around in battle. It is also a good Toxic-user because of its durability. However, against fast Water-type Pokémon such as Milotic and Politoed, Torkoal will stand no chance.

Torkoal can be caught in the wild on the Fiery Path in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions and Pokémon Emerald Version (although it can also be caught in the Magma Hideout in Emerald). Due to the white smoke surrounding Torkoal it prevents ability reduction.

Torkoal can learn Eruption if it is bred with Camerupt. This move is stronger than Fire Blast, but it loses power if Torkoal's HP is low.

Pokémon anime
The Lavaridge Town gym leader, Flannery, has a Torkoal. A few episodes later, at Steel Valley, Ash and friends help protect a Torkoal from the guardian of the place which consists of a Steelix. After saving it, Ash captures it. His Ash's Torkoal displays a large amount of affection for him and usually starts crying at random moments since it has low self esteem and usually does everything wrong, like diving into the ocean. Upon his return to Kanto to participate in the Battle Frontier, Ash left Torkoal and Glalie with Professor Oak. He later retrieved it to face Brandon's Registeel. Ash's Torkoal is voiced by Maddie Blaustein and later Billy Beach.

Biological characteristics
Torkoal resembles a red tortoise. It exhales an always present cloud of smoke through its nostrils and through holes in its body. Torkoal has a dark grey stone shell, and it consumes coal. Torkoal also resembles Camerupt, and adds to the confusion by coming directly after it in the Pokédex.

Torkoal fills the hollows in its shell with coal and burns it - its strength is diminished without this supply. It will search through whole mountains to find it. If attacked, this Pokémon spouts thick black smoke in order to retreat. If this is not possible, this Pokémon needs more coal for energy. It lets off a sound that is similar to a locomotive’s horn when emitting smoke from its nostrils.

Etymology
Torkoal's name appears to be a portmanteau of "tortoise" and "coal," with a 'k' in place of the 'c.'