* Although it is said to live in plains, its [[friend area]] in [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]] is the Jungle. Also, its [[List of Pokémon by Pal Park location|Pal Park area]] is the Forest.
* Although it is said to live in plains, its [[friend area]] in [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]] is the Jungle. Also, its [[List of Pokémon by Pal Park location|Pal Park area]] is the Forest.
*Tangela and {{p|Tropius}} are the only two Pokémon that are not {{pkmn2|starter}}s or [[legendary Pokémon|legendaries]] of a previous generation unavailable in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. They must be transferred forward from a Generation III game or traded from {{game|Platinum}}.
*Tangela and {{p|Tropius}} are the only two Pokémon that are not {{pkmn2|starter}}s or [[legendary Pokémon|legendaries]] of a previous generation unavailable in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. They must be transferred forward from a Generation III game or traded from {{game|Platinum}}.
**Coincidentally, both are {{t|Grass}} type.
*Despite being made of vines, in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, it couldn't learn {{m|Vine Whip}}. This was later allowed in {{game|Yellow}}.
*Despite being made of vines, in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}, it couldn't learn {{m|Vine Whip}}. This was later allowed in {{game|Yellow}}.
Tangela is covered with thick blue vines that obscure its face so only its eyes can be seen. It also has a pair of red boot-like feet.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Tangela's vines never stop growing and are easily replaced if lost or damaged. Tangela can ensnare and entangle its foes with its vines.
Behavior
It's thick blue vines are constantly jiggling and swaying. This appears to be a defensive technique, as the movement unnerves enemies and deters herbivores that might have otherwise mistaken Tangela for a shrub. Any moving object that gets too close to a Tangela will be ensnared by it's vines. This also appears to be a defensive technique, rather than a predatory one, because Tangela's vines will easily and painlessly snap off if the target pulls on them, suggesting that the ensnaring is intended to scare off potential predators.
Tangela can usually be found on the edge of many grassy plains, be it near a mountain range or the ocean. However, they can also be found in large forests or the jungle on some occasions. They are most common in Kanto & Johto, & can also be found in the Sevii Islands. They have also been introduced to the Great Marsh in Sinnoh.
Tangela'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.
Its 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.
Tangela is probably based on Medusa, a gorgon of Greek mythology, who had a head of snakes and turned any creature that saw her into stone. The tentacles on Tangela, however, are vines. Its Crystal sprite shows it curling into a ball, meaning it may also have design elements from tumbleweed or bird-cage plants. It may also be based on a Green Man, a motif that is represented as a face surrounded by leaves and vines.
Name origin
Tangela's name is probably a combination of the word tangle and Medusa because of its vines resembling a snake hairstyle like Medusa's. Its Japanese name may be based on もじゃもじゃ mojyamojya, which means shaggy, or unkempt.
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.