Tangela (Pokmon) - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokmon encyclopedia

Publish date: 2024-05-09

Tangela (Japanese: モンジャラ Monjara) is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Tangrowth when leveled up while knowing Ancient Power.

(Specifics may differ in past games. Refer to Game data→Evolution data for these details.)

Biology

Tangela swinging on a tree branch

Tangela is a plant Pokémon covered by blue, seaweed-like vines that obscure its face. There is a small opening in the vines that reveals its eyes surrounded by a black space. The vines give Tangela a round shape, but it is unknown what it looks like without them. Its vines are covered in fine hair and are always growing. If damaged or lost, replacements are grown. There is a pair of red boot-like feet poking out from under the vines, but no visible arms.

Tangela can ensnare and entangle anything that moves too close to it with its vines. The vines constantly jiggle and sway, unnerving enemies and causing a tickling sensation if ensnared. Tangela's vines will snap off easily and painlessly if the target pulls on them, so it can quickly escape. The vines of Tangela are said to have a refreshing flavor and scent. In Galar, its vines are used as herbs. Tangela can usually be found in temperate grasslands, and has been known to swing on tree branches using its vines.

Evolution

Tangela evolves into Tangrowth.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Game data

Pokédex entries

Generation IKanto
#114
Red(JPN)(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG)The whole body is swathed with wide vines that are similar to seaweed. Its vines shake as it walks.
Blue
YellowIts identity is obscured by masses of thick, blue vines. The vines are said to never stop growing.
StadiumIts identity is obscured by countless blue vines that are similar to seaweed. Will become entangled with anything.
Generation IIJohto
#179
GoldThe vines that cloak its entire body are always jiggling. They effectively unnerve its foes.
SilverIt tangles any moving thing with its vines. Their subtle shaking is ticklish if you get ensnared.
CrystalDuring battle, it constantly moves the vines that cover its body in order to annoy its opponent.
Stadium 2The vines that cloak its entire body are always jiggling. They effectively unnerve its foes.
Generation IIIHoenn
#—
Kanto
#114
RubyTangela's vines snap off easily if they are grabbed. This happens without pain, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by newly grown vines the very next day.
Sapphire
EmeraldIts vines snap off easily and painlessly if they are grabbed, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by new growth the very next day.
FireRedBlue plant vines cloak the Pokémon's identity in a tangled mass. It entangles anything that gets close.
LeafGreenThe whole body is swathed with wide vines that are similar to seaweed. The vines sway as it walks.
Generation IVSinnoh
 Pt : #181
Johto
#182
DiamondIt is shrouded by blue vines. No one has seen the face hidden behind this growth of vines.
Pearl
PlatinumThe blue vines shrouding its body are covered in a growth of fine hair. It is known to be ticklish.
HeartGoldThe vines that cloak its entire body are always jiggling. They effectively unnerve its foes.
SoulSilverIt tangles any moving thing with its vines. Their subtle shaking is ticklish if you get ensnared.
Generation VUnova
 B2  W2 : #217
BlackThe blue vines shrouding its body are covered in a growth of fine hair. It is known to be ticklish.
White
Black 2Many writhing vines cover it, so its true identity remains unknown. The blue vines grow its whole life long.
White 2
Generation VIKalos
#—
Hoenn
#—
XMany writhing vines cover it, so its true identity remains unknown. The blue vines grow its whole life long.
YIt tangles any moving thing with its vines. Their subtle shaking is ticklish if you get ensnared.
Omega RubyTangela's vines snap off easily if they are grabbed. This happens without pain, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by newly grown vines the very next day.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VIIIGalar
Isle of Armor #080
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#095
SwordHidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon's true appearance remains a mystery.
ShieldThe vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.
Brilliant DiamondIt is shrouded by blue vines. No one has seen the face hidden behind this growth of vines.
Shining Pearl
Legends: ArceusIt is cloaked entirely in blue vines, preventing any glimpse of its true identity. The vines impart a refreshing sensation when chewed—they're useful as a spice.

Game locations

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Generation IX

In side games

Generation I
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Cross-Generation

In events

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Stats

Base stats

Pokéathlon stats

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Immune to:
Resistant to:

Learnset

Tangela is available in Sword and Shield Version 1.2.0+, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

By leveling up

SwShBDSP

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

LA

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/TR

SwSh

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

BDSP

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

SwSh

Generation VIII
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Tangela in Generation VIII
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Tangela in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

BDSP

Generation VIII
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Tangela in Generation VIII
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Tangela in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

SwShBDSP

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

LA

Generation VIII
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By transfer from another generation

Generation VIII
  • Transferred Pokémon only retain these moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield
  • A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Tangela
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Tangela
  • × indicates a move that cannot be used in Sword and Shield
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations

TCG-only moves

Side game data

Pokémon Ranger
Group:Poké Assist:Grass PA.png
Field move:Cross fm.png
(Cross ×1)
Loops: 2Min. exp.: 30Max. exp.: 70
Browser entry R-069
Tangela can extend its vine and lasso a Post to cross a gap.
Pokémon Rumble Rush
Rush114Body.pngWalking Speed: 1.58 secondsBase HP: 52
Base Attack: 76Base Defense: 55Base Speed: 60

Evolution data

Tangela evolves into Tangrowth when leveled up while knowing Ancient Power. Tangela cannot evolve into Tangrowth in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Tangrowth is not present in those games.

Sprites

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation

In the anime

Main series

Major appearances

Tangela debuted in Pokémon Scent-sation!, under the ownership of Erika, who used it during her Gym battle against Ash. It is a strong Pokémon that uses its vines and Stun Spore in order to incapacitate the opponent. During the battle, it managed to take out Bulbasaur by using this combination. Erika then recalled Tangela when Ash sent out his Charmander. A second Tangela was seen in Celadon Gym as well. Erika's Tangela also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in an alternate continuity of the main series; it was seen battling Pikachu but was defeated.

In Gulpin it Down, Officer Jenny used a Tangela during an effort to stop the massive army of Gulpin that was encroaching the town.

Minor appearances

A Tangela appeared in The Kangaskhan Kid.

In Princess vs. Princess, a Tangela battled Brock's Vulpix during the Queen of the Princess Festival.

In It's Mr. Mime Time, Stella used a Tangela for her circus.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Tangela was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In Friends to the End, a Trainer's Tangela attended the closing ceremonies of the Indigo Plateau Conference.

In The Power of One, a Tangela sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

A wild Tangela appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Tangela participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

In The Grass Route, a Trainer's Tangela competed in the Grass Tournament.

A Tangela appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

In Throwing in the Noctowl, a Tangela lived at Wings Alexander's barn.

In For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!, multiple Tangela protected the Tin Tower after Team Rocket stole the Crystal Bells.

In A Hurdle for Squirtle, a Coordinator's Tangela competed in the Saffron City Pokémon Contest.

A Tangela appeared in From Cradle to Save, under the ownership of a student at the Pokémon Ninja School.

In Alola, Kanto!, four Tangela were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

Two Tangela got tied up into each other's vines in Sleuths for Truth!.

A Trainer's Tangela appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

Pokédex entries

EpisodePokémonSourceEntry
EP026TangelaAsh's PokédexTangela, a Vine Pokémon. Its body is wrapped in vines. The rest of its form is hidden beneath these vines.

Pokémon Evolutions

In The Show, a Tangela briefly appeared under the ownership of a Trainer in Ecruteak City.

In the manga

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Tangela appeared in Tangela's Secret.

Pokémon Adventures

Multiple Tangela debuted in Sigh for Psyduck as corpses used by Koga's Gastly.

A Tangela appeared as a silhouette when Green talks about Mew in The Jynx Jinx.

Tangela physically debuted in Blame it on Eevee. Like her counterparts in other media, Erika of Pokémon Adventures has a Tangela in her arsenal. This Tangela goes by the nickname of Angela in the English translations, or Mon-chan in Japanese.

In A Flaaffy Kerfuffle, a Tangela appeared as one of the Pokémon in Professor Oak's fantasy when he explains that Trainers should only have six Pokémon with them.

A Tangela appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Tangela appeared in The Final Battle VI, under the ownership of the Battle Factory. It was stolen alongside a Hypno.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Tangela appeared in GDZ26.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Tangela appeared in Big Struggle with the Powerful Opponent Venusaur!!.

A Tangela appeared in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!, where it was one of the Pokémon that took part in a baseball match.

Professor Oak owns a Tangela, which debuted in Save the Pokémon Zoo!!.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

A Tangela was one of the Pokémon Lunick captures in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode One. Lunick used Tangela's vines to rescue a girl from a burning building.

Pokémon Zensho

A Tangela appeared in PZ05.

In the TCG

Main article: Tangela (TCG)

Trivia

Origin

Due to the mystery around Tangela's appearance under its vines, it may be based on the swamp monster from the short story "It!" by Theodore Sturgeon. In addition, it may also be inspired by the Sargassum seaweed monsters written by the English writer William Hope Hodgson, which inspired monsters in Japanese pop culture.

It may also be based on Selaginella lepidophylla, a plant that forms tumbleweeds; and Medusa, a gorgon of Greek mythology (which is especially supported by the fact that Tangela's beta name was "Meduza"). In addition, it may be based on a Green Man, a motif represented as a face surrounded by leaves and vines. All of these potential inspirations may have also influenced Tangela's Shiny form's green coloration.

Its Pokédex entries state that its vines will be entangled with its surroundings. This may be a reference to thigmotropism, a biological reaction plants have towards contact that encourages them to coil around objects they touch as they grow, allowing stability in their stems and branches.

Name origin

Tangela may be a combination of tangle and -ella (suffix used to form taxonomic names).

Monjara may be a combination of monster, もじゃもじゃ mojamoja (shaggy or unkempt), and 毛むくじゃら kemukujara (densely covered in thick hair).

In other languages

External links

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