tentacruel
Generation I · #0073 — Jellyfish Pokémon
Tentacruel is a Water/Poison-type Pokémon that represents the final evolution of Tentacool, achieved upon reaching level 30. As a Generation I Pokémon, it has been a staple of the franchise since its inception and remains a recognizable aquatic threat in both wild encounters and competitive play. With a base stat total of 515, Tentacruel demonstrates a unique stat distribution that emphasizes special defense and speed while maintaining respectable special attack capabilities. Its Pokédex number of 073 places it firmly within Kanto's original roster, and it earned the designation of Jellyfish Pokémon due to its cnidarian biology and tentacle-based hunting methods.
Base Stats
Height
1.6m
Weight
55.0kg
Category
Jellyfish Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
tentacles
Habitat
sea
Abilities
Prevents stats from being lowered by other Pokémon.
Damages opponents using leeching moves for as much as they would heal.
Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during rain.
Tentacruel Biology & Physical Characteristics
Tentacruel is a large, cnidarian Pokémon with a distinctive clear, light blue body that serves as effective camouflage in oceanic environments. The creature features two prominent red orbs positioned on either side of its upper body, with an additional smaller orb in the center, all of which glow when the Pokémon becomes excited, agitated, or wishes to communicate with its own kind. These remarkable orbs can refract sunlight, store energy, and fire ultrasonic waves to stun prey or alert nearby Tentacruel to danger. Extending from its lower body are two blue, beak-like appendages and a remarkable total of eighty tentacles that can be freely extended, contracted, and lengthened at will. Most tentacles remain hidden and kept short, with typically only fourteen visible at rest, though this number diminishes as the Pokémon ages throughout its lifetime. The tentacles can absorb water to stretch even further and are coated with a harsh poison that immobilizes prey, making Tentacruel an efficient predator capable of ensnaring up to eighty prey simultaneously.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Tentacruel Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Tentacruel maintains an even gender distribution with 50% male and 50% female individuals occurring in nature, allowing for balanced breeding populations. The species belongs to the Water 3 egg group, meaning it can only breed with other Water 3 Pokémon, restricting its reproductive compatibility to specific aquatic species. Breeding two compatible Pokémon will produce Tentacool eggs that require twenty cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of overworld travel before the egg produces an offspring. The base happiness value for Tentacruel stands at 70 in most generations, indicating a moderately receptive temperament toward their trainers, though this varies slightly across different game generations where it has been documented at both 50 and 70.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
poison-barb
type-enhancement
Held: Poison-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
red blue
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
+640 more TMs/HMs
tentacruel's Evolution Chain
Tentacruel Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Tentacruel evolves from Tentacool starting at level 30, marking a significant transformation from the smaller jellyfish Pokémon. This evolution represents a substantial increase in the creature's power and capabilities, with stat improvements across most categories and the development of additional tentacles and refined poison-delivery mechanisms. The evolution process sees Tentacool's modest frame expand into Tentacruel's more formidable 1.6-meter physique, while its special defense base stat rises dramatically to 120, providing exceptional durability against special attacks. Unlike many Pokémon species, Tentacruel possesses no further evolutionary stages and does not receive a Mega Evolution form, meaning its level 30 evolution represents the culmination of its development potential.
Where to Find
kanto sea route 20
kanto
+17 more
kanto sea route 19
kanto
+9 more
kanto sea route 21
kanto
+16 more
johto sea route 40
johto
+6 more
kanto route 26
kanto
+13 more
pallet town
kanto
+13 more
whirl islands
johto
+14 more
olivine city
johto
+6 more
cinnabar island
kanto
+13 more
new bark town
johto
+13 more
cianwood city
johto
+6 more
vermilion city
kanto
+29 more
johto route 34
johto
+6 more
kanto route 27
kanto
+13 more
cherrygrove city
johto
+6 more
union cave
johto
+6 more
kanto route 13
kanto
+8 more
johto route 32
johto
+6 more
johto sea route 41
johto
+11 more
kanto route 12
kanto
+8 more
+47 more locations in other games
Tentacruel Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Tentacruel inhabits underwater rock formations throughout oceanic regions, rarely surfacing and remaining elusive to most trainers. The species demonstrates notable behavioral patterns when encountered, particularly during combat situations where it extends all eighty tentacles to create a poisonous net that entraps opponents. When Tentacruel gather in large groups, their combined presence is sufficiently intimidating to scatter nearby fish Pokémon, suggesting a formidable reputation among aquatic species. According to various Pokédex entries, the species employs its tentacles strategically during hunts, initially keeping them compressed before extending them to ensnare prey in a net-like configuration before weakening targets with poison. The Pokédex notes that longer-lived individuals tend to possess fewer tentacles, indicating that tentacle loss is a natural consequence of aging and extended combat experiences throughout their lifetime.
Pokedex Entries
The tentacles are normally kept short. On hunts, they are extended to ensnare and immobilize prey.
Its 80 tentacles can stretch and contract freely. They wrap around prey and weaken it with poison.
Its 80 tentacles absorb water and stretch almost endlessly to CON STRICT its prey and enemies.
In battle, it extends all 80 of its tentacles to entrap its oppo nent inside a poisonous net.
When its 80 feel ers absorb water, it stretches to become like a net to entangle its prey.
TENTACRUEL has large red orbs on its head. The orbs glow before lashing the vicinity with a harsh ultrasonic blast. This POKéMON’s outburst creates rough waves around it.
TENTACRUEL has tentacles that can be freely elongated and shortened at will. It ensnares prey with its tentacles and weakens the prey by dosing it with a harsh toxin. It can catch up to 80 prey at the same time.
It lives in complex rock formations on the ocean floor and traps prey using its 80 tentacles. Its red orbs glow when it grows excited or agitated.
It has 80 tentacles that move about freely. They can sting, causing poisoning and sharp, stabbing pain.
The tentacles are normally kept short. On hunts, they are extended to ensnare and immobilize prey.
With 80 tentacles for ensnaring victims, it prevents escape until the prey is weakened by poison.
It alerts others to danger by stridently flashing the red orbs on its head.
It extends its 80 tentacles to form an encircling poisonous net that is difficult to escape.
Its 80 tentacles absorb water and stretch almost endlessly to constrict its prey and enemies.
In battle, it extends all 80 of its tentacles to entrap its opponent inside a poisonous net.
It extends its 80 tentacles to form an encircling poisonous net that is difficult to escape.
It extends its 80 tentacles to form an encircling poisonous net that is difficult to escape.
The tentacles are normally kept short. On hunts, they are extended to ensnare and immobilize prey.
It has 80 tentacles that move about freely. They can sting, causing poisoning and sharp, stabbing pain.
Tentacruel has large red orbs on its head. The orbs glow before lashing the vicinity with a harsh ultrasonic blast. This Pokémon’s outburst creates rough waves around it.
Tentacruel has tentacles that can be freely elongated and shortened at will. It ensnares prey with its tentacles and weakens the prey by dosing it with a harsh toxin. It can catch up to 80 prey at the same time.
Normally, it has 80 poisonous tentacles. The longer one has been alive, the fewer tentacles it will have.
It fires off ultrasonic waves from its red orbs to weaken its prey, and then it wraps them up in its 80 tentacles.
Although these Pokémon are rare, when a large outbreak of them occurs, all fish Pokémon disappear from the surrounding sea.
It communicates with others of its kind by lighting up the red orbs on its head. When the orbs are blinking, it’s a warning sign.
Its 80 tentacles can stretch and contract freely. They wrap around prey and weaken it with poison.
When the red orbs on Tentacruel’s head glow brightly, watch out. The Pokémon is about to fire off a burst of ultrasonic waves.
Its 80 tentacles can stretch and shrink freely. Tentacruel ensnares prey in a net of spread-out tentacles, delivering venomous stings to its catch.
It has 80 tentacles, each with a venomous tip. These tentacles are also extendible, lengthening when Tentacruel attempts to catch prey. Use caution.
Tentacruel Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Tentacruel's design draws directly from biological jellyfish and cephalopod inspiration, combining features of both sea creatures into a cohesive aquatic predator. The name itself derives from 'tentacle' and 'cruel,' reflecting the species' weapon of choice and predatory nature, while its Japanese name Dokukurage combines the kanji for poison and jellyfish. The two large red orbs serve both practical and aesthetic functions, resembling the sensory organs found in jellyfish while providing the species with distinctive visual recognition. The light blue coloration explicitly aids in water camouflage according to official lore, and the overall body structure—featuring a rounded lower body with protruding tentacles—accurately mimics cnidarian anatomy. The beak-like appendages visible on its body hint at cephalopod influence, creating a hybrid design that successfully straddles multiple marine creature archetypes while maintaining a uniquely Pokémon aesthetic.
Learnable Moves
Tentacruel can learn 81 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| acid armor | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| acupressure | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| aqua ring | water | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aurora beam | ice | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| barrier | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| constrict | normal | Physical | 10 | 100 | 35 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| dive | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mirror coat | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| poison sting | poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| reflect type | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| tickle | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| venom drench | poison | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
| wring out | normal | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
Tentacruel Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Tentacruel occupies a niche role as a special defensive wall with surprising offensive capability. Its exceptional special defense base stat of 120 combined with a respectable special attack stat of 80 and excellent speed of 100 allows it to function effectively as a defensive pivot that can still threaten opposing Pokémon. The ability Clear Body prevents stat reductions from opponent moves, which is valuable against competitive threats that rely on stat manipulation tactics. Its alternative ability Liquid Ooze punishes common competitive strategies centered around drain moves, causing damage to opponents attempting to heal through moves like Giga Drain or Leech Life. The hidden ability Rain Dish provides passive healing during rain-based weather conditions, synergizing well with rain-supporting team compositions. Tentacruel's move pool includes useful coverage options and status moves like Toxic Spikes, Scald, and Sludge Wave, allowing it to function as either a defensive utility Pokémon or an offensive special attacker depending on EV allocation and moveset construction.
Commonly Asked Questions About Tentacruel
What type is Tentacruel?
Tentacruel is a water and poison type Pokemon.
What does Tentacruel evolve from?
Tentacruel evolved from tentacool.
What are Tentacruel's weaknesses?
Tentacruel is weak to ground, electric and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Tentacruel?
Tentacruel can be found in kanto sea route 20 (kanto), kanto sea route 19 (kanto) and kanto sea route 21 (kanto) and 64 other locations.
Tentacruel Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Tentacruel gained significant cultural prominence through its appearance in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the earliest sets, establishing itself as an iconic aquatic representative alongside other Generation I water types. The species achieved additional fame through memorable moments in the Pokémon anime series, where it appeared in both minor and significant encounters throughout Ash's journey. Its distinctive visual design has made it instantly recognizable to fans across multiple decades, and its combination of elegance and predatory menace has ensured consistent representation in merchandise, artwork, and promotional materials throughout the franchise's history. The introduction of Toedscruel in Generation IX sparked interesting discussions within the fan community regarding design similarities and evolutionary relationships, demonstrating Tentacruel's enduring place in Pokémon discourse.
Where to Find Tentacruel in Every Pokémon Game
Tentacruel appears across numerous Pokémon games with varying availability depending on generation and version. In the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, it can be encountered as a wild Pokémon in oceanic areas or evolved from Tentacool once they reach level 30. Its capture rate of 60 makes it moderately difficult to catch in the wild, requiring standard Poké Balls or greater resources to secure reliably. The species maintains consistent availability throughout most game generations, appearing in titles including Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go Pikachu, Let's Go Eevee, Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus. It also appears in various spin-off games and remakes, ensuring multiple opportunities for trainers to obtain this iconic water-poison dual-type across different Pokémon entries.