Can Paras be shiny in Pokémon Go?

Paras, the mushroom Pokémon from Kanto, can be found in the wild in Pokémon Go. Yes, Paras can be shiny in Pokémon Go!

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

Neither Paras nor Parasect are used in PvE or PvP content, so you’ll mainly just want to grab them to help you complete your Pokédex. Or maybe you really love this mushroom crab Pokémon and want to nab as many as you can? We won’t judge you! Who can say no to this little creature with those mushrooms on its back? It’s cute. (Just don’t look too close to those fangly mouth things.)

What is the shiny rate for Paras in Pokémon Go?

As per old research by the now-defunct website The Silph Road (via Wayback Machine), the shiny rate for Pokémon on a regular day is approximately one in 500. Paras is not a confirmed Pokémon that gets a “permaboost” (meaning that it’s a rare spawn and thus gets a boosted shiny rate).

What can I do to attract more shiny Pokémon?

Not much, unfortunately. It appears to be random chance. Shiny Pokémon catch rates are set by developer Niantic, and they are typically only boosted during special events like Community Days or Safari Zones, or in Legendary Raids. There are no consumable items that boost shiny Pokémon rates.

Where can I find a list of available shiny Pokémon?

LeekDuck keeps a list of currently available shiny Pokémon. It’s a helpful visual guide that illustrates what all of the existing shiny Pokémon look like.

For more tips, check out Polygon’s Pokémon Go guides.