Cacnea (Pokémon)

← #330: Flygon

Pokémon

#332: Cacturne →

Cacnea サボネア Sabonea #331
Art by Ken Sugimori from Ruby and Sapphire
Type Grass ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Cactus Pokémon
Ability Sand Veil Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto — Hoenn #119 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R--- Almia R-239 Oblivia
Height 1'04" Imperial 0.4 m Metric 1'04"/0.4 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 113.1 lbs. Imperial 51.3 kg Metric 113.1 lbs./51.3 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Green	Catch rate 190 (24.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Plant and Humanshape groups 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 1 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 97 Battle Exp.: 971*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Cacnea (Japanese: サボネア Sabonea) is a Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves into Cacturne starting at level 32.

Biology

Physiology

Cacnea are round, green Pokémon that are primarily found in deserts and other arid environments. They have a dark green rombus shape above their face, and three dark green rhombus shapes below their face that ring around its waist with a green rhombus shape on its back. Cacnea have dark circles around their eyes, their mouth apparently composed of several similar circles with thin striations below it. Cacnea has two darker-green spikes to the sides of their face, along with a yellow flower bud on top of their heads. Cacnea also have two club-like arms that are dotted with darker-green spikes with cactus-esque striations along their length and two stubby, darker-green-colored, cone-shaped feet.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Aside from its numerous poison abilities, Cacnea also has the Ability Sand Veil. In a sandstorm, Cacnea's ability to avoid attacks is raised, giving it a sort of home field advantage.

Cacnea, and its evolution, Cacturne, are the only known Pokémon that learn Needle Arm.

In addition, Cacnea releases a strong aroma to attract prey to it, and retain moisture in the hot daylight hours.

Behavior

Cacnea is well adapted to the harsh desert environment. It can store water for almost up to a month, which is especially useful for its habitat. When it battles, it is known to swing its arms wildly in hopes of stinging its opponent with one of the sharp thorns in its arms.

It releases a strong aroma from its flower to attract prey. When prey comes near, this Pokémon shoots sharp thorns from its body to bring the victim down.

Habitat

File:Roughterrain.gif

Rough-terrain Pokémon

Cacnea lives in the desert.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

File:Kojirotosabonea.jpg

James receiving a painful hug from his Cacnea

Cacnea first appeared in A Poached Ego. It became James's Pokémon after his Weezing and Jessie's Arbok left to protect a bunch of Ekans and Koffing that were freed from a Pokémon Poacher. In Once There Were Greenfields, James gave Cacnea to Gardenia.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG007 Cacnea Ash's Pokédex Cacnea, the Cactus Pokémon. Cacnea lives primarally in dry desert areas, and attacks by swinging its pin covered arms like hammers.

In the TCG

Main article: Cacnea (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III Ruby Cacnea lives in arid locations such as deserts. It releases a strong aroma from its flower to attract prey. When prey comes near, this Pokémon shoots sharp thorns from its body to bring the victim down. Sapphire The more arid and harsh the environment, the more pretty and fragrant a flower Cacnea grows. This Pokémon battles by wildly swinging its thorny arms. Emerald Cacnea live in deserts with virtually no rainfall. It battles by swinging its thick, spiked arms. Once a year, a yellow flower blooms. FireRed It prefers harsh environments such as deserts. It can survive for 30 days on water stored in its body. LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV Diamond By storing water in its body, this desert dweller can survive for 30 days without water. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold It lives in arid locations. Its yellow flowers bloom once a year. SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Uncommon Route 111 Emerald Rare Route 111 FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Uncommon Route 228 Platinum Rare Route 228 HeartGold SoulSilver n/a Safari Zone Pal Park Mountain Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Wilderness (Sapphire Field)
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 5 Forever Level 5 Pair Trozei Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Mt. Thunder (1F-4F) Joyous Tower (33F-35F) Oddity Cave (B1-B4)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Northern Desert (1F-8F)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Haruba Desert

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Ruby	Sapphire	Poison Barb (5%)
Emerald
Diamond	Pearl	Sticky Barb (5%)
Platinum

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 50		110 - 157	210 - 304
Attack: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Defense: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Speed: 35		36 - 95	67 - 185
Total: 335	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/3 ★★★	Power 3/4 ★★★☆
Skill 3/4 ★★★☆	Stamina 4/5 ★★★★☆
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 15/19 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 2× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water ½× Grass ½× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 2× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water ½× Grass ½× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 2× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water ½× Grass ½× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 2× Ground ½× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 2× Water ½× Grass ½× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Poison Sting Poison Physical 01515 100100% 35 00Start Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 055 Absorb Grass Special 02020 100100% 25 099 Growth Normal Status 0000— ——% 40 1313 Leech Seed Grass Status 0000— 09090% 10 1717 Sand-Attack Ground Status 0000— 100100% 15 2121 Pin Missile Bug Physical 01414 08585% 20 2525 Ingrain Grass Status 0000— ——% 20 2929 Faint Attack Dark Physical 06060 ——% 20 3333 Spikes Ground Status 0000— ——% 20 3737 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 5 4141 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100100% 10 4545 Needle Arm Grass Physical 06060 100100% 15 4949 Cotton Spore Grass Status 0000— 100100% 40 5353 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— ——% 10 5757 Destiny Bond Ghost Status 0000— ——% 5

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

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM09	Venom Shock	Poison	Special	06565	100}}100%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM22	SolarBeam	Grass	Special	120120	100}}100%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM31	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	07575	100}}100%	15
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM37	Sandstorm	Rock	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM48	Canon	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM53	Energy Ball	Grass	Special	08080	100}}100%	10
	TM56	Fling	Dark	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	10
	TM66	Payback	Dark	Physical	05050	100}}100%	10
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM75	Swords Dance	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM84	Poison Jab	Poison	Physical	08080	100}}100%	20
	TM86	Grass Knot	Grass	Special	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	HM01	Cut	Normal	Physical	05050	095}}95%	30
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cacnea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cacnea Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation IV Other generations: III - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	S. Contest	Appeal
	Acid	Poison	Special	40	100%	30	Smart	3 ♥♥♥
	Counter	Fighting	Physical	—	100%	20	Tough	2 ♥♥
	DynamicPunch	Fighting	Physical	100	50%	5	Cool	2 ♥♥
	GrassWhistle	Grass	Status	—	55%	15	Smart	2 ♥♥
	Low Kick	Fighting	Physical	—	50%	5	Tough	3 ♥♥♥
	Magical Leaf	Grass	Special	60	—%	20	Beauty	2 ♥♥
	Nasty PlotHGSS	Dark	Status	—	—%	20	Cute	0
	Seed Bomb	Grass	Physical	80	100%	15	Smart	3 ♥♥♥
	SmellingSalt	Normal	Physical	60	100%	10	Smart	0
	Teeter Dance	Normal	Status	—	100%	20	Cute	2 ♥♥
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Cacnea in Generation IV 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 Cacnea in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cacnea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cacnea Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation IV Other generations: III - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game					Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP	S. Contest	Appeal
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Fury Cutter	Bug	Physical	10	95%	20	Cool	2 ♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Headbutt	Normal	Physical	70	100%	15	Tough	3 ♥♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Low Kick	Fighting	Physical	—	100%	20	Tough	3 ♥♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Magic Coat	Psychic	Status	—	—%	15	Beauty	2 ♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Mud-Slap	Ground	Special	20	100%	10	Cute	3 ♥♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Seed Bomb	Grass	Physical	80	100%	15	Smart	3 ♥♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15	Cool	3 ♥♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Spite	Ghost	Status	—	100%	10	Tough	2 ♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Sucker Punch	Dark	Physical	80	100%	5	Smart	2 ♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Synthesis	Grass	Status	—	—%	5	Smart	0
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	ThunderPunch	Electric	Physical	75	100%	15	Cool	2 ♥♥
D	P	Pt	HG	SS	Worry Seed	Grass	Status	—	100%	10	Beauty	2 ♥♥
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Cacnea can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Cacnea cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cacnea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cacnea Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 331.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 7.2% Friend Area: Furnace Desert Phrases 51%-100% HP I can live for thirty days without having anything to drink! 26%-50% HP My HP is slipping down to the halfway mark. 1%-25% HP I'll faint on you... My body's developing cracks... Level up I leveled up! I can feel power down to my spikes! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up! I can feel power down to my spikes!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Grass  Poké Assist: ( Grass ) Field move: (Tackle ×1) Browser entry   It attacks by scattering needles.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Cacnea  Grass

Level 32 →

First Evolution Cacturne  Grass  Dark

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Cacnea images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Cacnea and its evolution, Cacturne, are two of the few Pokémon which aren't Steel, Ground or Template:Type2 which are unharmed by sandstorms. This is because of their ability, Sand Veil. The other Pokémon who share this trait are Cleffa line with Magic Guard, Psyduck line with Cloud Nine and Rayquaza with Air Lock.
• Although Cacnea and its evolution Cacturne are based on desert plants known for their high water-retention ability, neither Cacnea nor Cacturne have access to the abilities Water Absorb or Storm Drain.

Origin

It is based on a cactus. It can also resemble a Halloween Jack-o-lantern. This is made even more apparent in its shiny form, which is orange.

Name origin

Cacnea's name is based on cactus and intended to sound like its Japanese name. Sabonea is likely a combination of 仙人掌 saboten, cactus, and debonair.

In other languages

• German: Tuska
• French: Cacnea
• Korean: 선인왕 Seon'in'wang
• Chinese (Taiwan): 沙漠奈亞 Shā Mò Nài Yà - 沙漠 means desert. The last two character is a transliteration of "nea" in its Japanese name.

Related articles

• James's Cacnea

External links

← #330: Flygon

Pokémon

#332: Cacturne →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.