Cloyster has a spiky shell, six of which are long are conical, resembling turrets, which is used to protect its soft insides from foes. Cloyster has an an inner, gray-colored layer inside its purple shell. Its "head" and face resemble a black pearl, and there is a jutting, horn-like white spike above its "head".
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Cloyster has strong defenses and moderate offenses, both thanks to its sturdy shell. It fights by clamping its shell tightly shut while launching spikes from its shell to strike opponents.
Behavior
Cloyster is a clever and sneaky Pokémon, viciously rushing at prey shooting with spikes. It fights roughly because of the hostile nature of its habitat and the protection of its shell, allowing it to withstand physical blows easily. Cloyster swims by means of propulsion, doing so by first swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. Cloyster may also shoot spikes from its shell using the same system.
Cloyster reappeared again in Lorelei's attempt to defend Seven Island. It is then remarked that Cloyster is the strongest fighter Lorelei has in her arsenal.
Cloyster is capable of swimming in the sea. It does so by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. This Pokémon shoots spikes from its shell using the same system.
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Therefore, Cloyster has the highest Defense of both Water and Ice-types, as well as the highest single stat of all Water-types with that Defense and the highest single base stat of all non legendary Ice-types. (Overall, behind only Regice's Special Defense)
It is interesting to note that past Generation II, Cloyster no longer has a method of obtaining the move Take-Down through breeding. Shellder and Cloyster were only able to obtain the move in Generation II due to the father learning it via TM09 in Red or Blue and being traded to Gold or Silver and then bred. In Generations III and IV, this is no longer possible.
Cloyster's cry is very similar to Fearow, aside from some differences in pitch and volume.
Despite Cloyster not resembling a human form, like Jynx, Cloyster's "head" pearl was changed from black to purple in Generation IV.
Strangely, Cloyster's head and face bear a striking resemblance to Gastly, which comes directly after it in the National Pokédex.
Cloyster’s Template:Shiny2 color is blue. This has been treated by some as a reference to the 70’s band “Blue Oyster Cult”.
Origin
It appears to be based on a bivalve, or more specifically, of the genus spondylus, with a black pearl as its head.
Name origin
Cloyster's name may be a combination of cloister, to seclude or shelter oneself, and oyster. It could also be a combination of clam and oyster. Its Japanese name may be a combination of パール pearl and シェル shell.
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.
For other sprites and images, please see Cloyster images on Bulbagarden Archives.
