Cactuar

The Cactuar, sometimes referred to as a Cactrot or Sabotender, is a recurring enemy from the series. Cactuars are little cacti that usually run amok in the deserts. They are usually very fast, and are tough to hit. Their HP is also usually very low, but their defenses are high. Often, they counter most attacks with the ability 1000 Needles (Blow Fish in Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI), which always deals 1000 HP of unblockable defense ignoring damage. Usually, this ability can be learned as Blue Magic. In some games, such as Final Fantasy IX, Cactuars may be underground and will only counterattack if they are hiding. Some games have a stronger version of this attack called 10,000 Needles.

Cactuars first appear in Final Fantasy VI, in which they are called Cactrots, and have appeared in every title since. Earlier titles often had porcupine like enemies instead. Cactuars make a notable appearance in Final Fantasy VIII, in which a giant version of the Cactuar, known as Jumbo Cactuar, appears. After defeating the Jumbo Cactuar, the Cactuar can be obtained as a Guardian Force. Also, they play a notable role in Final Fantasy X, in which ten Cactuar brothers guard the Sanubia Sands. The player can obtain special Spheres for each Cactuar, which leads the player to the Mercury Sigil.

Cactuars will make a cameo in the Square Enix designed Nintendo game Mario Hoops: 3-on-3.