Raccoon
The Tanooki are a race of rather plump raccoon-like creatures, found primarily on Isle Delfino. During the events of Super Mario Sunshine, the Blue Coin Shop is run by two Tanooki, one older and one younger. Additionally, a Tanooki owns a small rowboat shack in Noki Bay. The boats can be rented for a price of 90,000 coins. However, Mario is allowed to use them for free.
In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario and Luigi encountered the Tanoombas, a race of Tanooki-Goomba hybrids. In the game's sequel, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, Shroob-like versions of the Tanoombas appeared. These creatures were named Tashroobas. Tanoombas also reappeared in Partners in Time. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, one of the names that can be gotten from pressing the "RANDOM NAME" button is TNUKI, a reference to the Tanookis.
Trivia
- The Tanooki are actually based on an animal known in Japanese as the "Tanuki", or in English as the "Japanese Raccoon Dog." It is often said to be a shape-shifting trickster in Japanese folklore.
- In Super Mario Bros. 3, one of the many power-ups Mario gains is the Tanooki Suit.
- In Super Paper Mario, Francis wants a Tanooki Suit that's made out of real Tanooki fur.
