Shellder (Pokémon)

← #089: Muk

Pokémon

#091: Cloyster →

Shellder シェルダー Shellder #090
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Water ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Bivalve Pokémon
Abilities Shell Armor or Skill Link Skill Link Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #090 Johto #171 Hoenn #260 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 1'00" Imperial 0.3 m Metric 1'00"/0.3 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 8.8 lbs. Imperial 4.0 kg Metric 8.8 lbs./4.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Purple	Catch rate 190 (24.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Water 3 group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 97 Battle Exp.: 971*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Shellder (Japanese: シェルダー Shellder) is a Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves into Cloyster via a Water Stone. Alternatively Shellder may combine with Slowpoke and evolve into Slowbro, or when a King's Rock is used the pair evolve into Slowking. However in the games it is impossible to evolve a Shellder into Slowbro or Slowking. These evolutions can only take place using a Slowpoke, and it does not matter whether or not the player is in possession of a Shellder.

Biology

Physiology

Shellder's two shells are a purplish-blue color and has two spikes on the top and also on the underside. They use their two shells for propulsion by opening and closing them rapidly. Shellder has a large, red tongue which serves as a means for burrowing. It is unknown what Shellder looks like inside its shell, seeing as only its large, disk-like eyes are discernible from within, but what is known is that its body inside is tender.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Shellder's shell is harder than diamond and can withstand powerful attacks. When sand combines with the body fluids inside of Shellder, beautiful pearls are formed. As clamping on to an opponent reveals its vulnerable parts, it uses the move only as a last resort. When a Shellder latches onto the tail of a fishing Slowpoke, the two Pokémon undergo a molecular transformation as a Slowbro is created and the Shellder changes in appearance. Likewise, if a Shellder bites a Slowpoke on the head due to the attraction of a King's Rock or some other reason, that Slowpoke will instead become a Slowking, the poison from the Shellder making it extremely intelligent.

Behavior

Its tongue is always hanging out, as it sits on the sea floor. Shellder swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. When Shellder sleeps it uses its broad tongue to burrow a hole in the sand and then sleeps in it. While Shellder is sleeping, it closes its shell, but leaves its tongue hanging out. Shellder are apparently attracted to the King's Rock since it is this item that makes the Shellder bite Slowpoke on the head and transform it into a Slowking.

Habitat

File:Sea.gif

Sea Pokémon

Shellder lives on the sea floor. Their native range includes Kanto and Johto, but it can be fished up in Sinnoh as well.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

When Shellder's mouth is clamped on Slowbro's tail, it will feed on the leftovers of food eaten by the host Slowbro. When it's on its own, Shellder is most likely a filter feeder.

In the anime

File:Shellderanime.png

Shellder in the anime

Major appearances

Jessie captured a Shellder in The Evolution Solution. Later in the episode, it bit on a Slowpoke's tail, making it evolve into a Slowbro and leaving Team Rocket.

Minor appearances

The first time a Shellder was seen was in The Bridge Bike Gang. It was sick and Nurse Joy sent Ash, Misty, and Brock over to Sunny Town (where Shellder was) to deliver some medicine.

Many were seen in A Crowning Achievement, evolving many Slowpoke into Slowbro, as well as a Slowking under Alice's former ownership.

A Shellder appeared in the contest in Old Rivals, New Tricks.

A Shellder also appeared in Battling a Cute Drama! under the ownership of Marilyn.

In the TCG

Main article: Shellder (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red 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 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.
Generation III 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 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. 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 Diamond It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out. Pearl It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out. Platinum It swims backward by opening and closing its two shells. Its large tongue is always kept hanging out. 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 Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Seafoam Islands and Routes Route 6, Route 11, Route 19, Route 20, and Route 21, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Seafoam Islands, and Cinnabar Island with Super Rod Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Common Vermilion Harbor and Routes Route 17 and Route 18 with Super Rod
Generation II Gold Silver Common Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, and 41, Olivine City, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, and New Bark Town (Fish with Good Rod or Super Rod) Crystal Common Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, and 41, Olivine City, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, and New Bark Town (Fish with Good Rod or Super Rod)
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen Common One Island, Five Island, Vermilion City (FireRed only) Colosseum None Trade XD One Cipher Key Lair (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Rare Route 205 (Floaroma Town side), Valley Windworks (Fish with Super Rod) Platinum Rare Route 205 (Floaroma Town side), Valley Windworks (Fish with Super Rod) HeartGold SoulSilver Rare Routes 20, 21, 26, 27, 41, and 47, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, and New Bark Town (Fish with Good Rod or Super Rod) Pal Park Sea Pokéwalker Blue Lake and Rough Sea
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Channel	Secret Cove
Pokémon Trozei!	SOL Laboratory 3 Secret Storage 14 Endless Level 33 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Stormy Sea (1F-8F) Silver Trench (1F-8F) Far-off Sea (1F-8F) Marvelous Sea (B1-B5) Fantasy Strait (B1-B5)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Beach Cave (B1-B4) Surrounded Sea (1F-20F)
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Gold	Silver	Pearl (25%)	Big Pearl (8%)
Crystal
FireRed	LeafGreen	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Diamond	Pearl	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Platinum

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 30		90 - 137	170 - 264
Attack: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Defense: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Sp. Atk: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Sp. Def: 25		27 - 84	49 - 163
Speed: 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.

Pokéthlon 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 V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire ½× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ½× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | water | style="background:#2980EF" |  water 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Shellder | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#74ACF5" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Special moves

Shadow moves	<span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 29+	Purified moves
Shadow Blitz	File:Box xd 090.png	Refresh	Normal
Shadow Shed		Take Down	Normal
--		Surf	Water
--		Aurora Beam	Ice

TCG-only Moves

• Lick
• Minimize

Evolution

Unevolved Shellder  Water

Water Stone →

First Evolution Cloyster  Water  Ice

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Shellder images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• In the anime, it is needed to evolve Slowpoke into Slowbro or Slowking.
• The change in Shellder's evolution when linked to a Slowpoke seems to only occur when attached to a 'living' part of the creature, as with the introduction of the item Slowpoketail in Generation II does not force a spiral evolution as one might suspect.
• Shellder and Cloyster share the same species name with Clamperl. They are all known as the Bivalve Pokémon.
• Even though Shellder changes when it bonds with Slowpoke to become Slowbro or Slowking, it is not considered an evolution.
• Despite always having its tongue exposed, it cannot learn the move Lick.
• Though Slowbro's Silver Pokédex entry mentions that Shellder secretes venom, it cannot learn any Poison-type attacks by leveling up.
• Shellder's Red and Green sprite is symmetrical. It shares this trait with Snorlax

Origin

It is similar to Scallops and other bivalves.

Name origin

Shellder's name seems to be a corruption of shell. It also sounds like shelter, perhaps referring to Slowbro and hermit crabs.

In other languages

• German: Muschas - From Muschel (shell or clam).
• French: Kokiyas - From coquille (shell).
• Korean: 셀러 Sella

Notes

← #089: Muk

Pokémon

#091: Cloyster →

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.