Pokemon GO Tatsugiri Guide: How to Catch All Forms (March 2026)

Have you been waiting to catch the elusive sushi-inspired Dragon Pokemon? Tatsugiri makes its highly anticipated debut in Pokemon GO during the Water Festival 2025 event, bringing three unique regional forms that will have trainers coordinating trades across continents! Whether you’re based in the Americas, Europe, or Asia-Pacific, I’ve got everything you need to know about catching this Mimicry Pokemon, including exclusive raid strategies, regional availability, and the burning question everyone’s asking – can you get a shiny Tatsugiri?

Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO: Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Event	Water Festival 2025 (July 15-20)
Type	Dragon/Water dual-type
Forms	Curly, Droopy, and Stretchy
Availability	Region-exclusive 1-Star Raid Boss
Shiny Status	NOT available at launch
Max CP	3105 at Level 50

How To Get Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO?

Understanding Tatsugiri’s Regional Forms

Tatsugiri is a small piscine dragon Pokemon that comes in three forms, each inspired by different types of sushi. In Pokemon GO, these forms are region-locked, making them some of the most challenging Pokemon to collect:

• Curly Form Tatsugiri (Orange): Available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
• Droopy Form Tatsugiri (Pink/Magenta): Available in the Americas
• Stretchy Form Tatsugiri (Yellow): Available in Asia-Pacific

Catching Tatsugiri Through Raids

The primary method to obtain Tatsugiri is through 1-Star Raids during the Water Festival event. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Event Duration: July 15 at 10:00 AM to July 20 at 8:00 PM local time
2. Raid Difficulty: 1-Star Raid Boss (easily soloable)
3. Regional Restrictions: You’ll only encounter your region’s specific form in raids
4. Remote Raid Option: You can use a Remote Raid Pass to raid Tatsugiri forms from other regions

Alternative Methods to Get All Forms

Since each form is region-locked, here are your options for completing your Tatsugiri collection:

1. Remote Raids: Join raids in other regions using Remote Raid Passes
2. Trading: Trade with friends from other regions
3. Travel: Physically visit other regions during the event (for the dedicated trainers!)
4. Future Events: Wait for potential global releases or special events

Best Counters for Tatsugiri Raids

All three forms of Tatsugiri share the same weaknesses: Dragon and Fairy-type moves. Here are the top counters I recommend:

Top Raid Counters

1. Black Kyurem: Dragon Tail & Outrage
2. Origin Forme Palkia: Dragon Tail & Draco Meteor
3. Rayquaza: Dragon Tail & Outrage
4. Salamence: Dragon Tail & Draco Meteor
5. Dragapult: Dragon Tail & Breaking Swipe
6. White Kyurem: Dragon Breath & Dragon Pulse
7. Dialga: Dragon Breath & Draco Meteor
8. Haxorus: Dragon Tail & Dragon Claw

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you don’t have legendary Pokemon, these accessible options work great:

• Dragonite: Dragon Tail & Outrage
• Garchomp: Dragon Tail & Outrage
• Gardevoir: Charm & Dazzling Gleam
• Togekiss: Charm & Dazzling Gleam
• Sylveon: Charm & Moonblast

Tatsugiri Stats and Battle Performance

Base Stats

• Max CP: 3105 at Level 50
• Best Moveset: Water Gun and Outrage (11.99 DPS)
• Weather Boost: Windy and Rain weather

CP Values to Remember

• Raid Catch Range: 1494-1569 CP (without weather boost)
• Weather Boosted: 1868-1962 CP
• Perfect IV: 1569 CP (non-boosted), 1962 CP (weather boosted)

Can Tatsugiri Be Shiny?

Here’s the disappointing news for shiny hunters: Shiny Tatsugiri is NOT available in Pokemon GO yet. It’s rare for developers to release a Pokemon and its shiny variant at the same event.

Shiny Predictions

Based on Niantic’s patterns with regional Pokemon:

• Expected Release: Likely during a future global event (possibly 1-2 years)
• Visual Differences: In the main series, Shiny Curly Form resembles eel nigiri, Shiny Droopy Form resembles halibut or squid nigiri, and Shiny Stretchy Form resembles salmon nigiri

Water Festival 2025 Event Bonuses

While hunting for Tatsugiri, take advantage of these event bonuses:

Event Features

• Rainy Lure Modules last for two hours
• Increased Candy for Nice Throws or better
• Increased chance to encounter Shiny Staryu and Shiny Tirtouga
• Lapras wearing a scarf with possible seasonal background

Other Raid Bosses During the Event

1-Star Raids:

• Shellder (can be shiny)
• Ducklett (can be shiny)
• Regional Tatsugiri forms

3-Star Raids:

• Kingler
• Gyarados (can be shiny)
• Lapras wearing a scarf (can be shiny)
• Azumarill

Pro Tips for Catching Tatsugiri

Maximize Your Chances

1. Use Pinap Berries: Since it’s an easy 1-Star raid, use Pinap Berries for extra candy
2. Weather Advantage: Hunt during Windy or Rainy weather for boosted spawns
3. Coordinate Internationally: Join Pokemon GO Discord servers to find remote raids
4. Save Remote Passes: Stock up before the event for cross-regional raiding

Building Your Collection

1. Priority Order: Focus on your local form first, then remote raid for others
2. Trading Strategy: Find local players who travel or have international friends
3. Mega Evolution Bonus: Use Mega Evolved Dragon or Water-type Pokemon for extra candy

The Lore Behind Tatsugiri

Tatsugiri is based on sushi (nigirizushi) with each form representing different types: Curly Form resembles shrimp nigiri, Droopy Form resembles tuna nigiri, and Stretchy Form resembles egg or herring roe nigiri. In the main series games, Tatsugiri partners with Dondozo, commanding it to attack prey while using Dondozo’s mouth as shelter.

Special Abilities

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Tatsugiri’s Commander ability allows it to work with Dondozo in double battles, boosting Dondozo’s stats when using Order Up. While this ability doesn’t translate to Pokemon GO, it adds interesting context to this unique Pokemon.

Future Availability

Based on Niantic’s patterns with regional exclusives:

1. Special Events: Expect Tatsugiri to return during future Water-type events
2. Global Releases: Possible during anniversary events or GO Fest
3. Egg Hatches: May be added to 7km eggs from international gifts
4. Research Tasks: Could appear in Special Research storylines

Collection Challenge and Timed Research

Collection Challenge

Complete catching-focused Collection Challenges to receive XP, Stardust, and encounters with event-themed Pokemon

Paid Timed Research ($4.99)

Rewards include encounters with Gyarados, Lapras wearing a scarf, and more Water-type Pokemon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I solo Tatsugiri raids?

Yes! As a 1-Star Raid Boss, Tatsugiri is easily defeated solo by trainers of any level with decent Pokemon.

Which Tatsugiri form is the best?

All forms have identical stats and movesets – the only difference is appearance and regional availability.

Can I change Tatsugiri’s form?

No, each form is a separate Pokemon and cannot be changed or evolved into other forms.

Will Tatsugiri evolve?

Tatsugiri does not evolve into or from any other Pokemon.

How rare is Tatsugiri?

During the Water Festival event, Tatsugiri appears frequently in 1-Star raids. Outside events, it’s currently unavailable.

Can I get Tatsugiri after the event ends?

Currently, Tatsugiri is only available during the Water Festival 2025. Keep an eye on future events for its return.

What’s the best use for Tatsugiri in battles?

While not meta-relevant for raids or PvP, Tatsugiri serves as a unique addition to your collection with decent Dragon/Water-type coverage.

How much stardust does it cost to trade Tatsugiri?

As a regional Pokemon, trading costs vary:

• Good Friends: 20,000 Stardust
• Great Friends: 16,000 Stardust
• Ultra Friends: 1,600 Stardust
• Best Friends: 800 Stardust

Conclusion

Tatsugiri’s debut in Pokemon GO brings an exciting challenge for collectors worldwide. While the regional exclusivity makes completing your collection challenging, the Water Festival 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to start your Tatsugiri hunt. Remember, even though shiny Tatsugiri isn’t available yet, these unique sushi-inspired Pokemon are worth adding to your Pokedex.

Whether you’re coordinating remote raids with international friends or planning future trades, make sure to catch your regional Tatsugiri during the event. With its unique design inspired by Japanese cuisine and interesting lore connecting it to Dondozo, Tatsugiri represents one of the most creative Pokemon additions to Pokemon GO in recent times.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the event bonuses, especially those increased shiny rates for Staryu and Tirtouga! And keep checking back for updates on when shiny Tatsugiri might make its debut. Until then, happy hunting, trainers!

For more Pokemon GO guides and strategies, check out our complete raid guide collection and troubleshooting tips to enhance your gameplay experience.