Which Pokémon is listed as number 001 in the original Pokédex?

Bulbasaur is listed as number 001 in the original Pokédex.

Bulbasaur is one of the three starter Pokémon offered at the beginning of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow. It is a dual Grass- and Poison-type species with a plant bulb on its back. The bulb grows as Bulbasaur develops and is central to its visual identity.

The other two original starter choices are Charmander and Squirtle. They occupy Pokédex numbers 004 and 007, respectively, while Pikachu is number 025. This numbering explains why Bulbasaur, rather than Pikachu, is the first entry in the original regional sequence.

Bulbasaur was designed by Atsuko Nishida, with its final artwork completed by Ken Sugimori. It first appeared in the 1996 Japanese games and later became prominent in the animated series. Its number remained 001 in the National Pokédex, making it the franchise’s most recognizable first entry.