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 and the poses it makes. Curly Form Tatsugiri is orange with darker orange splotches all over its body and a white underbelly, and it often assumes an upcurled stance. Droopy Form Tatsugiri is mostly pink, with white colorations on its belly and fins; true to its name, it tends to droop on its throat sac. Stretchy Form Tatsugiri is a solid yellow, except for its white throat sac; it assumes a straight, horizontal pose. It is said that Tatsugiri's various forms are an adaptation to suit the preferences of its prey.
Although relatively 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 that can have Commander as an Ability.
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): Curly Form resembles a shrimp nigiri, Droopy Form resembles a tuna nigiri, and Stretchy Form resembles an egg or urchin nigiri. Likewise, Shiny Curly Form resembles an eel nigiri, Shiny Droopy Form resembles a halibut or squid nigiri, and Shiny Stretchy Form resembles a salmon nigiri. Tatsugiri also somewhat resembles the koi fish, which like Tatsugiri has many colored varieties.
Tatsugiri's habit of entering the mouth of a Dondozo is a possible reference to mouth-brooding, a parenting style performed by some species of catfish where the parent fish will keep their offspring safe by holding them inside their mouth. Tatsugiri's Dragon type and curved posture may be a reference to Shachihoko, or the East Asian cultural association of koi (and carp in general) with dragons.
Dondozo’s low smarts and larger size compared to Tatsugiri, combined with their synergy together, seem to reference the common Brains and Brawn team-up trope in media. Tatsugiri acting as the boss supports this, as the Brains is most often the leader in these team-ups.
Tatsugiri and Dondozo’s relationship may also be a twofold reference to anglerfish: Tatusgiri lures in prey for Dondozo to take down, much like an anglerfish and its lure; and male anglerfish are much smaller and parasitic to females, similar to how Tatsugiri is smaller and reliant on Dondozo.
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.