Team Aqua's Carvanha

Description

Released in 2004 as part of the Team Magma vs Team Aqua expansion, Team Aqua's Carvanha (#47) is a foundational Water-type Pokémon card designed for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Illustrated by Yosuke Da Silva, this Common rarity card features a Reverse Holo finish that adds visual depth to the standard card layout. As a Basic Pokémon, it enters play ready to attack without evolving, making it a reliable early-game asset for trainers building their decks. The card’s gameplay centers on strategic disruption rather than raw damage. It possesses 40 HP and offers two distinct attacks. The first, Colorless Confuse Ray, deals 10 damage but requires a coin flip; if successful, it confuses the Defending Pokémon, potentially halting their next turn. The second attack, WaterColorless Poison Fang, also deals 10 damage but applies the Poison status condition, gradually reducing the opponent’s Pokémon HP over subsequent turns. With a modest Retreat Cost of 1, Carvanha can easily move to the Bench to avoid attacks or reposition for strategic advantage. Collectors value this card for its role in the early Generations III era of the TCG, representing the ongoing rivalry between Team Magma and Team Aqua. The Reverse Holo treatment, introduced during this period, provides a shimmering effect that stands out in collection binders. Whether you are completing the Team Magma vs Team Aqua set or seeking a nostalgic piece of Pokémon history, Team Aqua's Carvanha offers a tangible connection to the game’s evolving mechanics and design. Its straightforward attacks and accessible rarity make it a staple in many foundational collections. For investors and hobbyists, this card represents a specific moment in Pokémon TCG history when parallel treatments began to enhance the collecting experience. The combination of its Water typing, basic stage, and distinctive finish ensures it remains a recognizable and desirable item for those who appreciate the nuances of early 2000s card design.