Introduced in the original generation one, with the Pokemon Red, Blue, and Green games, Tentacool is a dual type water and poison Pokemon. It is the first stage evolution of its two stage evolution line and evolves into Tentacruel once it reaches the level threshold. Tentacool is classified by the Pokedex as the “Jellyfish Pokemon” which is likely a reference to its general design. This guide will showcase Tentacool’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Tentacool.
About Tentacool
As one of the original 151 Pokemon, Tentacool first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode Tenatcool and Tentacruel. In this episode, multiple Tentacool are featured attacking Nastina’s construction site. The Pokedex mentions Tentacool will absorb the sunlight and refract it inside its body. It converts this into beam energy and it can shoot beams from its crystal-like eyes.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Tentacool and Tentacruel |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Red/Green (Japan) Pokemon Red/Blue (International) |
| Region | Kanto |
| Evolution | Evolves into Tentacruel, not known to evolve from another Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 30 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | Tentacool's body is largely composed of water. If it is removed from the sea, it dries up like parchment. If this Pokémon happens to become dehydrated, put it back into the sea. |
Tentacool Base Stats
| HP | 40 |
| ATTACK | 40 |
| DEFENCE | 35 |
| SP. ATTACK | 50 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 100 |
| SPEED | 70 |
| TOTAL | 335 |
Appearance
Tentacool is a small blue Pokemon that resembles a jellyfish with a large bulbous head that has red gem shaped orbs. It has two tentacles, and as its type would imply, its tentacles are capable of inflicting poison. Most of its body is made of water, so it is a gelatinous shape. Its two eyes are not the large red orbs on its head, but the two small black eyes with white pupils below its brow. Tentacool is a small Pokemon at only 2 feet and 11 inches, or 0.9 meters, tall.
Behavior
Tentacool has proven to be a pest in the Pokemon universe as their venomous tentacles and large numbers make it difficult to work in the water. Tentacool’s tentacles even have a mind controlling effect if attached to a Pokemon’s head. While its tentacles may break off eventually, it can regenerate its tentacles. Tentacool is not typically in control of its movements and will often go where the ocean’s currents carry them. This can lead to problems if they build up against human buildings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As the base evolution in its evolution line, Tentacool has yet to become powerful. It has a power special defense for a base evolution Pokemon, and it has a decent speed. However, it has a weak offensive lineup of stats and its health pool and physical defense make it frail in battle. As a dual type water and poison Pokemon, Tentacool takes 2x damage from ground, electric, and psychic type moves. It has no immunities but is resistant to fighting, poison, bug, steel, fire, water, ice, and fairy type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Tentacool is typically reserved for the LC (Little Cup) format. In this format, Tentacool can perform as a way to clear hazards as well as set up its own hazards on your opponent’s side of the field. Its high speed also means it can provide some damage for your team. Consider running Rapid Spin, Sludge Bomb, Scald, and Knock Off/Toxic Spikes. Rapid Spin is to ensure your side does not have hazards at a crucial moment. Sludge Bomb and Scald will deal bonus damage from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), and Knock Off and Toxic Spikes are interchangeable depending on which kind of offense you prefer. Knock Off will interfere with your opponent’s held item, but Toxic Spikes can inflict poison and then toxic if stacked high enough to your opponent’s Pokemon.
| Rapid Spin | Sludge Bomb |
| Scald | Knock Off/Toxic Spikes |
How to Catch Tentacool in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain Tentacool in Pokemon Go, there are a few different ways of doing so. As the base evolution Pokemon in its evolution line, Tentacool spawns more commonly in the wild which makes it easier to encounter than most Pokemon. You can find Tentacool spawning in the wild, at a boosted rate, near canals, oceans, harbors, rivers, lakes, docks, and other watery areas. Tentacool can also be hatched from 5 km eggs but while Tentacool has not appeared as a raid boss, Tentacruel has been a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. To evolve Tentacool into a Tentacruel, you will need 50 candies.
Trivia
- In the early stages of Pokemon Red and Blue, Tentacool’s original name was “Jilly”.
- The inspiration for Tentacool’s design is likely based on a jellyfish, specifically the box jellyfish.
- The name Tentacool is a combination of the words tentacle and cool.
FAQ
What does Tentacool look like?
Tentacool looks like a blue jellyfish without a translucent skin. It has a large head and red orb shaped objects bulging out of its skin. There are two tentacles that Tentacool can regenerate if they fall away. Its non-translucent appearance and curved beak at the front can lend a resemblance to squids as well.
How does Tentacool evolve?
Tentacool will evolve into Tentacruel once it reaches level 30. There are no unique conditions for this evolution, and Tentacool will evolve as long as you evolve it. Once Tentacool evolves into Tentacruel, you have finished the Pokemon’s evolution line. You can move on to collecting other Pokemon.
Is Tentacool a good Pokemon?
Tentacool has a surprising amount of speed which can make it useful for disrupting your opponent’s team. However, Tentacool has a weak physical defense and it does not have much to do after setting up its hazards. It is a useful Pokemon, but not for a prolonged battle. You will want to switch out Tentacool after it has finished setting up hazards and disruptions.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Jellyfish Pokemon”. Tentacool’s impact on competitive play may be limited to a unique format, but Tentacool can be a disruptive Pokemon. While Tentacool is not as powerful as other Pokemon, it can slow down your opponent's Pokemon. This strategy can buy you time and Tentacool can take over battles. Tentacool can be a powerful Pokemon if it is used correctly. Reserve a slot on your team for Tentacool if you want a disruptive water and poison type Pokemon.
