{{Dex/Gen/1|gen=VIII|reg1=Galar|num1=080|label1=Isle of Armor}}
{{Dex/Gen/1|gen=VIII|reg1=Galar|num1=080|label1=Isle of Armor}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Sword|entry=Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon's true appearance remains a mystery.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Sword|entry=Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon's true appearance remains a mystery.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Shield|entry=The vines of Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.}}
{{Dex/Entry1|v=Shield|entry=The vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.}}
Tangela is a 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. Tangela's entire body is covered with vines, so its true form remains a mystery. The vines of Tangela are said to have a distinct scent. In Galar, its vines are used as herbs. Tangela can usually be found in temperate grasslands.
In Pokémon Scent-sation!, Erika used a Tangela during her Gymbattle against Ash. It is a strong Pokémon that manages to use 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. 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.
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.
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'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.
In the Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Tangela was originally known as "Meduza," a name derived from the Greek mythological character Medusa.
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.
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 (A common suffix used in botany).
Monjara may be based on もじゃもじゃ mojamoja (shaggy or unkempt) or 毛むくじゃら kemukujara (hairy or densely covered in thick hair). It may also include monster.
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.