Shellder (Japanese: シェルダー Shellder) is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
It evolves into Cloyster when exposed to a Water Stone.
Biology
Shellder is a bivalve mollusk Pokémon encased within a spiky, blue-violet bivalve shell. It has two round white eyes with tiny black pupils. Its enormously long red tongue is used to burrow itself into the sand to sleep overnight and also to lure and capture prey. The tongue protrudes even when its shell is closed and tugging it will cause the shell to pop open. Its soft and tender body is well-protected by its extremely durable shell, which is purported to be harder than diamonds and has historically been used by people to make shields. It can make pearls from accumulated sand, though it discards them as they are typically in its way.
Shellder has an unusually strong appetite for the tail of a Slowpoke and can develop a symbiotic relationship with the Dopey Pokémon. After attaching itself to the Slowpoke's tail, the two undergo a metamorphosis and evolve into Slowbro together. Alternatively, if it attaches to the head of a Slowpoke in possession of a King's Rock, the two will instead evolve into Slowking. These relationships allow it to travel onto land and begin a new stage in its life cycle. In Galar, Shellder attaches to the forearms and heads of Galarian Slowpoke wearing Galarica Cuffs or Galarica Wreaths, causing the evolution into Galarian Slowbro and Galarian Slowking, respectively.
Regardless of which form the two Pokémon evolve into, Shellder's shell transforms into a spiny, spiraled cone with several tiers. Sharp teeth develop around the rim of the shell to anchor it securely to the evolved Slowpoke, and its eyes now peek out from the bottom rim of the shell. In its crown form, Shellder will have a red jewel on its underside and a large horn on either side of its shell.
While in its crown form, Shellder will periodically release its venom into Slowking's brain. This is actually beneficial to Slowking, as it causes the Regal Pokémon's intelligence to increase. Higher quantities of venom intensify this effect, and Shellder is easily provoked into releasing more whenever Slowking yawns. However, Shellder's poison makes Slowbro more sluggish as it continues to drain nutrients from its host's body. As seen in Slowking's Crowning! and An Evolution in Taste!, the crown form of Shellder can take control of humans who wear it and speak through its hoist. The control of Shellder wears off the moment the crown is removed.
Despite its hard shell, clamping on to an opponent will reveal its vulnerable parts. Because of this, it will only clamp itself to a foe as a last resort. It swims around its seafloor home by rapidly opening and closing its shell while facing backward. Despite its appearance, Shellder is surprisingly fast. Prehistoric Shellder were apparently preyed upon by Omastar, whose powerful bites were capable of breaking through its shell. Shellder and its evolved form, Cloyster, are related to Shellos and Gastrodon. Kingler, Rufflet, and Bruxish are modern predators of Shellder.
Prior to Generation III, Clamp was its signature move. Prior to Generation V, Icicle Spear was also its signature move, but other Pokémon could still inherit it via breeding. Additionally, prior to Generation V, Shellder and its evolved form, Cloyster, were the only known Pokémon that could have Skill Link as an Ability.
Evolution
Shellder evolves into Cloyster.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Pinball: Three Shellder appear on the Red Table and give the player points when hit. When Catch'em Mode is activated, they also reveal the silhouette of the Pokémon attempting to be captured upon being hit.
Pokédex entries
Generation I
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Kanto #090
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Red(JPN)
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(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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Green
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Red(ENG)
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Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
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Blue
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Yellow
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The shell can withstand any attack. However, when it is open, the tender body is exposed.
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Stadium
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Its shell is harder than diamond. It hides in sand on the sea floor and catches prey with its soft tongue.
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Generation II
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Johto #169
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Gold
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It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
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Silver
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Grains of sand trapped in its shells mix with its body fluids to form beautiful pearls.
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Crystal
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Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.
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Stadium 2
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It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) Grains of sand trapped in its shells mix with its body fluids to form beautiful pearls. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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Generation III
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Hoenn #—
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Kanto #090
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Ruby
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At night, this Pokémon uses its broad tongue to burrow a hole in the seafloor sand and then sleep in it. While it is sleeping, Shellder closes its shell, but leaves its tongue hanging out.
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Sapphire
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Emerald
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At night, it burrows a hole in the seafloor with its broad tongue to make a place to sleep. While asleep, it closes its shell, but leaves its tongue hanging out.
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FireRed
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It is encased in a shell that is harder than diamond. Inside, however, it is surprisingly tender.
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LeafGreen
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Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
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Generation IV
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Sinnoh #—
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Johto #171
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Diamond
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It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
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Pearl
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Platinum
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HeartGold
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It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
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SoulSilver
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Grains of sand trapped in its shells mix with its body fluids to form beautiful pearls.
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Generation V
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Unova #—
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Black
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It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
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White
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Black 2
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It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
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White 2
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Generation VI
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Kalos Coastal #036
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Hoenn #—
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X
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Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
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Y
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Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.
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Omega Ruby
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At night, this Pokémon uses its broad tongue to burrow a hole in the seafloor sand and then sleep in it. While it is sleeping, Shellder closes its shell, but leaves its tongue hanging out.
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Alpha Sapphire
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Generation VII
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Alola S M : #115
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Alola US UM : #138
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Kanto #090
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Sun
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The hardness of its shell surpasses the hardness of a diamond. In days gone by, people used the shells to make shields.
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Moon
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This Pokémon's tongue is always hanging out. It uses its tongue with great dexterity to dig up sand from the seabed in its search for food.
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Ultra Sun
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The sand that accumulates inside its shell eventually becomes a pearl. But the pearl gets in the way, so it spits it out and discards it.
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Ultra Moon
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Even when its shell is closed, its tongue still hangs out. If you give its tongue a good yank, the shock will cause Shellder to open its shell.
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Let's Go Pikachu
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The shell can withstand any attack. However, when it is open, the tender body is exposed.
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Let's Go Eevee
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Generation VIII
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Galar #150
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Galar Isle of Armor #131
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Sinnoh #—
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Hisui #—
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This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
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Sword
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It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
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Shield
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Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
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Brilliant Diamond
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It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
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Shining Pearl
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Generation IX
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Paldea #329
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Kitakami #—
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Blueberry #—
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Scarlet
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It is encased in a shell that is harder than diamond. Inside, however, it is surprisingly tender.
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Violet
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Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.
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Game locations
In side games
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Generation II
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This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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In events
Games
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Event
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Gigantamax
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Location
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Level
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Distribution period
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SwSh
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Wild Area News
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No
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hide
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17, 30, 40, 50, 60 60
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May 19 to 22, 2022
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Held items
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.
Stats
Base stats
Stat
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Range
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At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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30
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90 - 137
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170 - 264
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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45
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45 - 106
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85 - 207
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25
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27 - 84
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49 - 163
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40
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40 - 101
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76 - 196
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Total: 305
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 45.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Shellder
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Shellder
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Shellder
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Shellder
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Shellder
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Shellder
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Shellder
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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TCG-only moves
Side game data
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.67 seconds
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Base HP: 41
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Base Attack: 69
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Base Defense: 51
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Base Speed: 60
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Evolution data
Sprites
Shellder forms
- For the remainder of Shellder's sprites as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the sprite sections of Slowbro and Slowking.
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Slowbro form
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Slowking form
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Slowbro back sprites
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Slowking back sprites
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In animation
Main series
- For a comprehensive list of Shellder's appearances in the animated series as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the animation sections of Slowbro and Slowking.
Major appearances
In The Evolution Solution, Jessie caught a Shellder on Seafoam Island. Later in the episode, it bit on a Slowpoke's tail, making it evolve into a Slowbro. Because of this, it left Team Rocket.
In A Crowning Achievement, multiple Shellder evolved many Slowpoke into Slowbro and Slowking as Alice Telesu released them.
In Battling a Cute Drama!, Marilyn thought her Shellder was the cutest Pokémon she ever saw. It was about to battle Brock's Happiny, but the match was interrupted by Team Rocket.
Minor appearances
Shellder debuted as part of a Slowbro in Island of the Giant Pokémon.
The first time an unevolved Shellder was seen was in The Bridge Bike Gang. It was sick and Nurse Joy sent Ash, Misty, and Brock over to Sunnytown (where Shellder was) to deliver some medicine.
In The Misty Mermaid, multiple Shellder resided in the Cerulean Gym, under the ownership of the Sensational Sisters. One of them reappeared in Cerulean Blues and in a fantasy in Alola, Alola!.
In Pikachu's Vacation, a Shellder was at the Pokémon Theme Park.
In The Joy of Pokémon, a sick Shellder was treated by the Nurse Joy of an unnamed island.
In The Power of One, multiple Shellder sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.
In Slowking's Day, a Shellder lived in the ocean surrounding Shamouti Island.
A Shellder appeared in a fantasy in The Totodile Duel.
In The Heartbreak of Brock, a Shellder lived at Temacu's father's lab.
In Mantine Overboard!, three Shellder lived in the sea near Ogi City.
In Octillery The Outcast, a Trainer's Shellder competed in the Whirl Cup. It went up against Ash's Totodile during a qualifying match and lost.
In A Parent Trapped!, a Shellder was seen underwater.
In Nice Pryce Baby, Pryce kept several Shellder at the Mahogany Gym.
In Enlighten Up!, a Shellder living in Lake Slowpoke bit a Slowpoke's tail, evolving it in the process.
In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Shellder to one of the school's underage students for use.
In Old Rivals, New Tricks!, a Coordinator's Shellder competed in the Sandalstraw Contest.
In Going for the Gold!, multiple Shellder were in the Ambrette Aquarium.
Three Shellder appeared in Alola to New Adventure!.
A Shellder appeared in a fantasy in Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio!.
In The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair!, Mallow studied multiple Shellder as part of a class assignment.
In Rocking Clawmark Hill!, a Shellder washed ashore near Professor Kukui's house.
In A Shivering Shovel Search!, a Shellder passed by underwater while Pikachu and Popplio were searching for Palossand's lost shovel.
In Dewpider Ascending!, a Shellder was half-buried in the sand.
In I Choose Paradise!, three Shellder were at the Pokémon Paradise Resort, with two under the ownership of different Trainers.
A Trainer's Shellder appeared in Exhibition Unmasked!.
Four Shellder appeared in Legend? Go! Friends? Go!.
A Shellder appeared in A Test in Paradise!.
A Trainer's Shellder appeared in Caring for a Mystery!.
In Slowking's Crowning!, a Shellder was on Slowpoke Island.
In The Cuteness Quotient!, a Trainer's Shellder competing in the Friendship Festival was targeted by Team Rocket.
A Trainer's Shellder appeared in Restore and Renew!.
A Shellder appeared in The Ancient Poké Ball.
Two Shellder appeared in Roar of the Black Rayquaza.
Two Shellder appeared in Transform! Hero of the Seas, Palafin.
Pokédex entries
- For Shellder's Pokédex entries as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the Pokédex entries sections of Slowbro and Slowking.
POKÉTOON
A Shellder appeared in PT10, under the ownership of a Swimmer.
In the manga
- For a list of Shellder's appearances in the manga as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the manga sections of Slowbro and Slowking.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
In Play Misty For Me, Misty threw a Shellder at Ash after she found him constantly staring at her in her swimsuit.
Pokémon Adventures
In Karate Machop!, Lorelei owns multiple Shellder. They were sent to attack Kanto alongside several other Elite Four Pokémon.
In The Last Battle XIII, a Shellder was sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.
In Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! I, a Shellder was one of the aquarium Pokémon seen in Archie's collection.
Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!
A Shellder appeared in GDZ33.
Pokémon Journeys
A Shellder appeared in Legend? Check! Friends? Check!.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Clefairy was attacked by a Shellder in The Legendary Pokémon Appears.
Multiple Shellder appeared in Which One is the Real Clefairy!?.
Bruno owns five Shellder, as seen in Clefairy's Under Training!!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Shellder (TCG)
- For Shellder's appearances in the TCG as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see Slowbro (TCG) and Slowking (TCG).
Trivia
- In Pokémon the Series, Shellder is required to evolve Slowpoke into Slowbro or Slowking. Shellder clamps onto a Slowpoke's tail to evolve into Slowbro, or onto its head while wearing the King's Rock to evolve into a Slowking. Even though Shellder changes form drastically when it bonds with Slowpoke to evolve (see above), it is not considered an evolution in and of itself.
- Despite this requirement for Slowpoke to evolve, no game has ever reflected this beyond Slowpoke's Pokédex entries. Slowpoke instead evolves into Slowbro at level 37, and into Slowking while traded with a King's Rock, and does not require the presence of Shellder, as opposed to Mantyke evolving with Remoraid in the party.
- Shellder is said to produce poison and inject it into its host Slowbro or Slowking, but is not actually capable of learning any Poison-type moves as of Generation VIII.
- In The Evolution Solution, it is revealed that Shellder is still capable of speech as the shell of a Slowbro.
- Shellder were revealed to be capable of floating through the air in Pokémon Snap, a trait that has been seen in no other media.
- Shellder and Cloyster share their category name with Clamperl. They are all known as the Bivalve Pokémon.
- Shellder can be seen as a counterpart to Staryu. Both are Water-types in the Water 3 Egg Group, both evolve with a Water Stone, and both gain a second type upon evolution. Cloyster is seen as a slow defensive Pokémon, while Starmie is seen as a fast attacking Pokémon; and Shellder is exclusive to FireRed and Y, while Staryu is exclusive to LeafGreen and X.
Origin
Shellder is similar to a clam, with its tongue representing a clam's "foot". Its ability to move by flapping its shell is likely inspired by scallops. Scallops are also related to the thorny oysters that resemble its evolved form. The fact that it latches onto Slowpoke and produces a beneficial toxin may be inspired by leeches.
Name origin
Shellder may be derived from shell and possibly shelter.
In other languages
Language
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Title
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Meaning
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Japanese
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シェルダー Shellder
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From shell and possibly shelter
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French
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Kokiyas
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From coquillage
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Spanish
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Shellder
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Same as English/Japanese name
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German
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Muschas
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From Muschel and Wasser
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Italian
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Shellder
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Same as English/Japanese name
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Korean
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셀러 Sellor
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Similar to the Japanese name
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Mandarin Chinese
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大舌貝 / 大舌贝 Dàshébèi
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From 大 dà, 舌 shé, and 貝 / 贝 bèi
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Cantonese Chinese
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大舌貝 Dàshébèi* 貝殼怪 Buihokgwaai*
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From 大 dà, 舌 shé, and 貝 bèi From 貝殼 buihok and 怪 gwaai
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More languages
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Hindi
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शेल्डर Shellder
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Transcription of English name
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Russian
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Шеллдер Shellder
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Transcription of English name
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Thai
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เชลเดอร์ Cheldoe
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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