Tatsugiri is a small piscine dragon Pokémon that comes in three forms. All forms share the same basic physiology, with two large eyes, long pectoral fins, a wavy dorsal fin, and a split tail fin. All forms also have a white throat sac, which resembles a bed of rice when inflated; Tatsugiri inflates its throat sac to camouflage itself. The major difference between each form of Tatsugiri is its colors. Curly Form Tatsugiri is orange with darker orange splotches all over its body and a white underbelly. Droopy Form Tatsugiri is mostly pink, with white colorations on its belly and fins. Stretchy Form Tatsugiri is a solid yellow, except for its white throat sac. It is said that Tatsugiri's various forms are an adaptation to suit the preferences of its prey.
Although weak, Tatsugiri is one of the most intelligent dragon Pokémon. It baits prey such as bird Pokémon by playing dead. When its prey approaches, Tatsugiri then commands its partner, Dondozo, to attack. The Dondozo follows the orders of its Tatsugiri partner loyally, and provides the Tatsugiri protection and shelter with its large mouth, in exchange for a greater chance at catching prey.
Tatsugiri is the only known Pokémon with the Ability of Commander.
A giant Tatsugiri, together with a giant Dondozo, are both known as the False Dragon Titan, one of the Titan Pokémon found in the Paldea region.
Origin
Tatsugiri seems to be based on sushi, specifically the nigirizushi (a type of sushi shaped by hands, instead of rolled). Its Curly Form resembles a salmon or shrimp nigiri, its Droopy Form resembles a tuna nigiri, and its Stretchy Form resembles an egg nigiri. Tatsugiri's habit of entering the mouth of a Dondozo is a possible reference to the tongue-eating louse, a parasitic isopod which attaches itself to the tongues of fish for sustenance.
Name origin
Tatsugiri may be a combination of 竜 tatsu (Japanese for dragon) and 握り寿司 nigirizushi.
Syaritatsu may be a combination of シャリ shari (sushi rice) and 竜 tatsu.