Zangoose are fairly large mammalian Pokémon that have the characteristics of mongooses and cats. They are mostly white in color, but possess deep red markings on the face, chest and paws, which have sharp pointed turns and edges. These markings make it appear that it has been involved in a vicious fight and is covered in blood and scars. They have two long, sharp black claws on their forepaws that are their main weapons. In earlier sprites, these claws were purple in color. Zangoose has pink eyes, small tufts of white fur on its shoulders, and a large, thick furry white tail. It also has a pattern of four pink circles on the underside of its three-toed feet in a 'paw-pad'-like arrangement.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Zangoose's Immunity and Poison Rampage abilities make it immune to poison or raises it's attack when poisoned respectively. This is possibly an adaptation that was developed over time to deal with the fangs and tail of its nemesis, Seviper.
Behavior
Zangoose are bitter enemies with Seviper, and the two will battle each other to the end. It is suggested this rivalry has lasted for ages. It will usually walk on all fours but when angry it will stand on its hind legs.
While its natural habitat is unknown, this Pokémon is found on Route 114 in Hoenn, so it presumably perfers grasslands with sparse trees and mountains.
In Glory Blaze, it is discovered that Paul found Chimchar being attacked by a group of Zangoose. Because of the amazing power it used fighting the Zangoose, Paul decided to capture it. Later, Chimchar was to fight another Zangoose and nearly lost to it.
Zangoose, the Cat Ferret Pokémon. Zangoose usually walks on all fours, but stands on its hind legs when angry. It's very quick and can easily dodge most enemy attacks.
Zangoose, the Cat Ferret Pokémon. Zangoose have battled against Seviper for many generations, and their sharp claws are their best weapons.
In the manga
A Zangoose first appears in VS. Zangoose & Seviper I, where it fought against its sworn enemy. However, both of them soon noticed that Ruby and the swimmer he was with were watching, and then proceeded to attack them together. With Ruby's three party Pokémon's balls broken from their claws and fangs, it looked hopeless before the Feebas he fished earlier saved the two with a Light Screen. Despite Ruby's protests, it was this feat that had the "ugly" fish join his party.
Memories of battling its arch-rival Seviper are etched into every cell of Zangoose's body. This Pokémon adroitly dodges attacks with incredible agility.
Zangoose usually stays on all fours, but when angered, it gets up on its hind legs and extends its claws. This Pokémon shares a bitter rivalry with Seviper that dates back over generations.
Although it is stated that Seviper and Zangoose are bitter enemies, they share several characteristics, such as being in the Ground egg group, residing in the same Friend Area, and having a base stat total of 458 (which is unique to only them).
Despite its sharp claws, as well as the basis of its name (see below), Zangoose is unable to learn Cut.
Zangoose is compatible with the RSE move tutor that teaches Thunder Wave, but not the TM that teaches the move that was introduced in Generation IV.
Every one of Zangoose's Pokédex entries mention Seviper.
Zangoose in the only Hoenn-dex Pokémon not present in Sapphire or Emerald versions. Like Lunatone (which can not be found in Ruby or Emerald), it can be found in XD.
Origin
Zangoose, as its name implies, is based on a mongoose. The rivalry it shares with Seviper is based on the relationship between mongooses and snakes.
Name origin
Zangoose's name is a portmanteau of mongoose, a small, cat-like carnivore that is well known for its ability to hunt and kill venomous snakes, and 刪 san, cut down. It may also come from 残痕 "zankon", scars due to the markings in its body. It may also be a portmanteau of "mongoose" with "zangado", Portuguese for "angry", due to its ferocious behavior and look.
In other languages
German: Sengo - From Sense (scythe) and Mungo (mongoose).
French: Mangriff - From mangouste (mongoose) and griffe (claw).
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.