Ninetales

Ninetales (/ˈnaɪnteɪlz/), known in Japan as Kyukon (Japanese: キュウコン), is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise, and the evolved form of the Pokémon Vulpix. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it was created by Atsuko Nishida in order to add more cute Pokémon to the series, and it had its design finalized by Ken Sugimori. It is unavailable in Red without trading. Since Ninetales' debut, it has appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as media related to the franchise, including an episode of the TV series focusing on Ninetales.

Classified as a Fire-type Pokémon, Ninetales is a fox with golden fur and nine tails. A regional variant was added in Pokémon Sun and Moon called Alolan Ninetales, which evolves from Alolan Vulpix, a new variant of Vulpix and Ninetales are introduced with a new "Alolan" form, referring to the region Alola featured in the game. The Alolan forms are Ice type instead of Fire, and Ninetales gains a Fairy type upon evolving from Vulpix.

Both forms of Ninetales have received generally positive reception, with commendation for its usability in gameplay and visual design being commonly cited. It has also been discussed in the context of mythology, particularly fox spirits and the story of Tamamo-no-Mae.