Dondozo

Within its evolutionary line, Dondozo occupies an independent position: it does not come from another species and does not evolve further. Its design is based on a large catfish, with barbels, a broad body and a mouth capable of hiding a Tatsugiri. It also incorporates details from Japanese cuisine: the shape of its tongue resembles a sushi board, while the protuberance on its head looks like a chef’s hat.

Its relationship with Tatsugiri defines much of its behaviour. Dondozo has strength, but little ability to obtain food by itself, so it cooperates with the small Dragon Pokémon to set traps for its prey. The partnership has an unusual division of roles: the large fish provides the body, while Tatsugiri directs the strategy from inside its mouth. Its size also sets it apart among fish Pokémon: it reaches 12 metres and weighs 220 kg, far more than similar-looking aquatic species such as Whiscash. The Japanese name, ヘイラッシャ, is written Heyrusher and alludes to a typical invitation from sushi chefs, while Dondozo retains a play on “don” and the Japanese どうぞ, “dōzo”.

Dondozo does not stand out for its Speed, with 35 base points, but it makes up for that shortcoming with 150 HP and 115 Defense. Its 100 Attack lets it deal physical damage, while its 65 Special Attack and 65 Special Defense make it clear that it is not designed to attack from that side or take repeated special hits. Its total of 530 is heavily concentrated in physical durability and HP.

The Ability that defines its singles teams is Unaware: it ignores the opposing Pokémon’s stat changes. This allows it to stop opponents trying to win by piling up Attack or Defense boosts, although it does not ignore its own changes or prevent direct damage. Oblivious prevents it from being attracted or taunted, while Water Veil, its Hidden Ability, prevents burns; the latter protects its Attack, but does not replace Unaware as a defensive tool.

The Water type gives it a straightforward defensive profile, with weaknesses to Electric- and Grass-type attacks and resistance to several common types. Offensively, it has Aqua Tail, Wave Crash and Liquidation, as well as Earthquake to cover Pokémon that resist Water. Rest and Sleep Talk fit its bulk well, while Curse improves its Attack and Defense in slower games.

In doubles in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the combination with Tatsugiri completely changes its role: Commander boosts all its stats when the small fish enters its mouth. The strategy requires keeping both Pokémon alive and loses strength if Tatsugiri goes down first, if the opponent uses moves that remove or ignore boosts, or if Dondozo is subjected to constant special pressure. Outside that combination, it mainly works as a physical wall and a slow win condition.

Dondozo belongs to the Water 2 Egg Group and has an even gender ratio: 50% of specimens are female. Its eggs need 40 cycles to hatch, equivalent to approximately (40 + 1) × 255 steps. The species has a Slow growth rate, so it also requires a lot of experience to reach the higher levels.

Its notable Egg Moves include Spite, which offers a powerful physical option, and Fissure, whose effect depends on the move’s accuracy. Curse reinforces its defensive profile at the cost of Speed, while Yawn helps force switches or gain setup turns. It can learn them through breeding, which is useful for building a version focused on taking hits and wearing the opponent down.

The evolutionary line ends with Dondozo: it does not evolve under any conditions. Its catch rate is 25, a low figure that makes it harder to catch than many common species. In the games where it debuted, it can be obtained in Paldea’s aquatic environments, especially in Casseroya Lake.