Shellder (Pokémon)

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0089MS.png #0089: Muk
Pokémon
#0091: Cloyster 0091MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Shellder (disambiguation).
Shellder
Bivalve Pokémon
シェルダー
Shellder
#0090
Shellder



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Water Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Shell Armor or Skill LinkGen IV+ Cacophony
Cacophony
Overcoat
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
190 (35.2%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Water 3
Hatch time
20 cycles
Height
1'00" 0.3 m
Shellder
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
8.8 lbs. 4.0 kg
Shellder
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
97
Gen. I-IV
Unknown
IV
61
V+
Leveling rate
Slow
EV yield
Total: 1
Shellder
0
HP
0
Atk
1
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body01.png
Footprint
F0090.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Purple
Base friendship
70
External Links

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.)

0090Shellder.png
Unevolved
Shellder
 Water 

0091Cloyster.png
First Evolution
Cloyster
 Water  Ice 

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 Kanto
#090
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
Blue
Yellow The shell can withstand any attack. However, when it is open, the tender body is exposed.
Stadium Its shell is harder than diamond. It hides in sand on the sea floor and catches prey with its soft tongue.
Generation II Johto
#169
Gold It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
Silver Grains of sand trapped in its shells mix with its body fluids to form beautiful pearls.
Crystal Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.
Stadium 2 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)
Generation III Hoenn
#—
Kanto
#090
Ruby 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.
Sapphire
Emerald 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.
FireRed It is encased in a shell that is harder than diamond. Inside, however, it is surprisingly tender.
LeafGreen Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#171
Diamond It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
SoulSilver Grains of sand trapped in its shells mix with its body fluids to form beautiful pearls.
Generation V Unova
#—
Black It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
White
Black 2 It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Coastal #036
Hoenn
#—
X Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
Y Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.
Omega Ruby 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.
Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola
 S  M : #115
Alola
 US  UM : #138
Kanto
#090
Sun The hardness of its shell surpasses the hardness of a diamond. In days gone by, people used the shells to make shields.
Moon 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.
Ultra Sun 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.
Ultra Moon 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.
Let's Go Pikachu The shell can withstand any attack. However, when it is open, the tender body is exposed.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar
#150
Galar
Isle of Armor #131
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
Sword It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
Shield Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
Brilliant Diamond It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#329
Kitakami
#—
Blueberry
#—
Scarlet It is encased in a shell that is harder than diamond. Inside, however, it is surprisingly tender.
Violet Clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, so it uses this move only as a last resort.


Pokédex Image Shellder SM.png Pokédex Image Shellder SV.png
Shellder in the Alola Pokédex Shellder in the Paldea Pokédex

Game locations

Generation I
Red Blue
Seafoam Islands
Routes 6, 11, 19, 20, 21, Vermilion City, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island (Super Rod)
Blue (Japan)
Seafoam Islands
Routes 6, 11, 19, 20, 21, Vermilion City, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island (Super Rod)
Yellow
Routes 17, 18, Vermilion Harbor (Super Rod)
Generation II
Gold Silver
Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, 41, Olivine City harbor, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town, Cinnabar Island (Good Rod and Super Rod)
Crystal
Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, 41, Olivine City harbor, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town, Cinnabar Island (Good Rod and Super Rod)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade
Emerald
Trade
FireRed
Pallet Town, Cinnabar Island, Vermilion City, One Island, Five Island, Icefall Cave (Super Rod)
LeafGreen
Trade
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 205 (Floaroma Town side), Valley Windworks, Fuego Ironworks (Super Rod)
Platinum
Route 205 (Floaroma Town side), Valley Windworks, Fuego Ironworks (Super Rod)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, 41, 47, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, New Bark Town (Good Rod and Super Rod)
Pal Park
Sea
Pokéwalker
Blue Lake, Stormy Beach
Generation V
Black White
Route 13, Undella Town, Undella Bay (fishing)
Black 2 White 2
Route 13, Undella Town, Seaside Cave, Humilau City (fishing)
Dream World
Sparkling Sea
Generation VI
X
Breed Cloyster
Y
Route 8 (Good Rod)
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Trade
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Kala'e Bay (fishing), Poké Pelago
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Kala'e Bay (fishing)
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Seafoam Islands (Sea Skim)
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
West Lake Axewell, East Lake Axewell (Surfing)
Giant's Seat, East Lake Axewell (fishing)
Dusty Bowl, North Lake Miloch, South Lake Miloch, West Lake Axewell (Max Raid Battle)
Expansion Pass
Courageous Cavern, Loop Lagoon (fishing)
Fields of Honor, Challenge Beach, Loop Lagoon, Workout Sea (Max Raid Battle)
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Route 205 (Floaroma Town side), Valley Windworks, Fuego Ironworks (Super Rod)
Grand Underground - Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern (After obtaining the National Pokédex)
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
South Province: South Paldean Sea
East Province: East Paldean Sea
West Province: West Paldean Sea
North Province: North Paldean Sea
Tera Raid Battles (1★, 2★)


In side games

Generation I
Snap
River
Pinball
Red Field: Vermilion City Seaside, Seafoam Islands
Blue Field: Vermilion City Streets
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Channel
Secret Cove
Trozei!
SOL Laboratory 3, Secret Storage 14, Endless Level 33, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Stormy Sea (B1F-B8F), Silver Trench (B1F-B8F), Far-off Sea (B1F-B8F), Marvelous Sea (B1F-B8F), Fantasy Strait (B1F-B8F)
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Surrounded Sea (B1F-B5F)
MD Sky
Surrounded Sea (B1F-B5F)
Rumble
Bright Beach (Normal Mode C)
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Beach: Challenger's Ground
Rumble U
Variety Battle: Empoleon the Great
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Distortion Island: Stage 6
Rumble World
Origin Hideaway: Secret Cove (All Areas), Distortion Land: Vast Ocean (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Snorlax Sea, Zapdos Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Charizard SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Stormy Sea (1F-8F), Silver Trench (1F-8F), Far-Off Sea (1F-8F), Remains Island (4F), Marvelous Sea (4F), Fantasy Strait (4F)
Fainted Pokémon: Fantasy Strait
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Event: Pokémon Safari (Tenth release)
Masters EX
Egg event (Water- and Ice-Type Egg Event): Scottie/Bettie & ShellderEgg


In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
FRLG Pokémon Trade and Battle Day Shellder English United States 24 September 25, 2004
RSEFRLG Gather More Pokémon! Third Campaign Shellder Japanese Japan 10 January 14 to 29, 2006
Wild Area News
Games Event Gigantamax Location Level Distribution period
SwSh Wild Area News No hide 17, 30, 40, 50, 60
60Shiny
May 19 to 22, 2022

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games Held items
Red Blue
Berry Berry (100%)
Yellow
Gold Silver
Pearl Pearl (23%)
Big Pearl Big Pearl (2%)
Crystal
FireRed LeafGreen
Pearl Pearl (50%)
Big Pearl Big Pearl (5%)
Diamond Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold SoulSilver
Black White
Black 2 White 2
X Y
Sun Moon
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Sword Shield
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
30
90 - 137 170 - 264
65
63 - 128 121 - 251
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
45
45 - 106 85 - 207
25
27 - 84 49 - 163
40
40 - 101 76 - 196
Total:
305
Other Pokémon with this total
  • 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.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
3/3 ★★★
Skill
2/2 ★★
Stamina
3/4 ★★★
Jump
2/2 ★★
Total
12/14 ★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water ½×
Grass
Electric
Psychic
Ice ½×
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Tackle Normal Physical 04040 100100% 35
011 Water Gun Water Special 04040 100100% 25
044 Withdraw Water Status 0000 00——% 40
088 Ice Shard Ice Physical 04040 100100% 30
1212 Leer Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
1616 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 08585% 15
2020 Supersonic Normal Status 0000 05555% 20
2424 Aurora Beam Ice Special 06565 100100% 20
2828 Protect Normal Status 0000 00——% 10
3232 Razor Shell Water Physical 07575 09595% 10
3636 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000 00——% 15
4040 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100100% 10
4444 Shell Smash Normal Status 0000 00——% 15
4848 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 08080% 5
  • 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

By TM

Generation IX
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM001Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20
TM007Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM011Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20
TM022Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20
TM025Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM032Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20
TM034Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM035Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM046Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM046 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10
TM047Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM050Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM052Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM052 Snowscape Ice Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM070Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM076Bag TM Rock SV Sprite.png TM076 Rock Blast Rock Physical 02525 090}}90% 10
TM077Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM085Bag TM Psychic SV Sprite.png TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000 00—}}—% 5
TM090Bag TM Ground SV Sprite.png TM090 Spikes Ground Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM091Bag TM Poison SV Sprite.png TM091 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM103Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 10
TM104Bag TM Steel SV Sprite.png TM104 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000 00—}}—% 15
TM110Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10
TM123Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM124Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM124 Ice Spinner Ice Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM130Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000 00—}}—% 20
TM135Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10
TM142Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5
TM143Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5
TM171Bag TM Normal SV Sprite.png TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10
TM187Bag TM Ice SV Sprite.png TM187 Icicle Spear Ice Physical 02525 100}}100% 30
TM208Bag TM Water SV Sprite.png TM208 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 085}}85% 15
  • 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

By breeding

Generation IX
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Mirror Herb*
Aqua Ring Water Status —% 20
TentacoolTentacruelCorphishCrawdauntCrabrawlerCrabominable
Bubble Beam Water Special 65 100% 20
Mirror Herb*
Life Dew Water Status —% 10
TentacoolTentacruelClauncherClawitzerWiglettWugtrio
Water Pulse Water Special 60 100% 20
  • 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

TCG-only moves

Move Card
Lick Shellder (Expedition 129)
Minimize Shellder (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 79)
Vice Grip Shellder (Expedition 129)
Water Spout Shellder (Vending S2)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
Pin090.png Pinani090.png
Acquisition: Catch
Pokémon Trozei!
Trozeiani090.png
Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 12.2%
Friend Area: Bountiful Sea
Phrases
51%-100% HP My shell is harder than any diamond!
26%-50% HP My HP is down to half...
1%-25% HP No more... I feel faint... Help...
Level up Awesome! I leveled up! I need to work that much harder!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 090.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 6.4%
IQ group: E
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
MDP 3DS 090.png

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Introduced by Kingdra
Connected to: Kingdra
Connection Orb Set: 13

Phrases
Normal Let me know if you see Slowpoke. I'll clamp my shell down on him.
Low HP (< 50%) Argh... Where is Slowpoke?
Pokémon Rumble
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
Rush090Body.png Walking Speed: 1.67 seconds Base HP: 41
Base Attack: 69 Base Defense: 51 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Water
Attack Power: ★★★★

BT090.png

Pokémon Shuffle
None Shuffle.png
Water
None Shuffle.png Attack Power: 50 - 100 Raise Max Level.png 5

#574
Shuffle090.png

Block Smash
Clears one unbreakable-block disruption without fail.


Pokémon GO
GO090.png Base HP: 102 Base Attack: 116 Base Defense: 134
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: Shellder Candy 50
Fast Attacks: Ice Shard, Tackle
Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Water Pulse, Icy Wind, Razor Shell*, FrustrationAs Shadow Pokémon, ReturnAs Purified Pokémon

Evolution data

0090Shellder.png
Unevolved
Shellder
 Water 
Water Stone
Water Stone
0091Cloyster.png
First Evolution
Cloyster
 Water  Ice 


Sprites

Generation I
Red Green Red Blue Yellow
Spr 1g 090.png Spr b g1 090.png Spr 1b 090.png Spr b g1 090.png Spr 1y 090.png Spr b g1 090.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 090.png Spr b 2g 090.png Spr 2s 090.png Spr b 2s 090.png Spr 2c 090.png Spr b 2c 090.png
Spr 2g 090 s.png Spr b 2g 090 s.png Spr 2s 090 s.png Spr b 2s 090 s.png Spr 2c 090 s.png Spr b 2c 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 090.png Spr b 3r 090.png Spr 3e 090.png Spr b 3e 090.png Spr 3f 090.png Spr b 3f 090.png
Spr 3r 090 s.png Spr b 3r 090 s.png Spr 3e 090 s.png Spr b 3e 090 s.png Spr 3f 090 s.png Spr b 3f 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Spr 4d 090.png Spr b 4d 090.png Spr 4p 090.png Spr b 4p 090.png Spr 4h 090.png Spr b 4h 090.png
Spr 4d 090 s.png Spr b 4d 090 s.png Spr 4p 090 s.png Spr b 4p 090 s.png Spr 4h 090 s.png Spr b 4h 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Spr 5b 090.png Spr b 5b 090.png Spr 5b2 090.png Spr b 5b2 090.png
Spr 5b 090 s.png Spr b 5b 090 s.png Spr 5b2 090 s.png Spr b 5b2 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Spr 6x 090.png
Spr b 6x 090.png
Spr 6o 090.png
Spr b 6o 090.png
Spr 6x 090 s.png
Spr b 6x 090 s.png
Spr 6o 090 s.png
Spr b 6o 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Spr 7s 090.png
Spr b 7s 090.png
Spr 7s 090.png
Spr b 7s 090.png
Spr 7s 090 s.png
Spr b 7s 090 s.png
Spr 7s 090 s.png
Spr b 7s 090 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Spr 7p 090.png
Spr 7p 090 s.png
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Spr 8s 090.png
Spr 8s 090 s.png
Cross-Generation
HOME
HOME0090.png HOME0090 s.png
090MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Shellder images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Shellder forms

For the remainder of Shellder's sprites as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the sprite sections of Slowbro and Slowking.
Spr 5b 080.pngSpr 5b 080 s.png Spr 5b 199.pngSpr 5b 199 s.png Spr b 5b 080.pngSpr b 5b 080 s.png Spr b 5b 199.pngSpr b 5b 199 s.png
Slowbro form Slowking form Slowbro back sprites Slowking back sprites

In animation

Shellder attached to Slowbro in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
Shellder attached to Slowking in Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver

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

Shellder and Slowpoke evolving into Slowking in A Crowning Achievement
  • 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 Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese シェルダー Shellder From shell and possibly shelter
France Flag.png French Kokiyas From coquillage
Spain Flag.png Spanish Shellder Same as English/Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Muschas From Muschel and Wasser
Italy Flag.png Italian Shellder Same as English/Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 셀러 Sellor Similar to the Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 大舌貝 / 大舌贝 Dàshébèi From , shé, and 貝 / 贝 bèi
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 大舌貝 Dàshébèi*
貝殼怪 Buihokgwaai*
From , shé, and bèi
From 貝殼 buihok and gwaai


Related articles

External links

0089MS.png #0089: Muk
Pokémon
#0091: Cloyster 0091MS.png
Project Pokédex logo.png 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.