Cloyster (Pokémon)

← #090: Shellder	Pokémon	#092: Gastly →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Cloyster (disambiguation).

Cloyster パルシェン Parshen #091
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Water Ice 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 ----- Overcoat Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #091 Johto #172 Hoenn #261 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 4'11" Imperial 1.5 m Metric 4'11"/1.5 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 292.1 lbs. Imperial 132.5 kg Metric 292.1 lbs./132.5 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Purple	Catch rate 60 (7.8%)
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 2 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 203 Battle Exp.: 2031*
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

Cloyster (Japanese: パルシェン Parshen) is a dual-type Water/Ice Pokémon.

It evolves from Shellder when exposed to a Water Stone.

Biology

Physiology

Cloyster is an enormous bivalve with a large rugged shell that features a number of spikes. Six of the spikes, 3 per side, are especially long and conical. Resembling turrets, they enhance the ability of the shell to protect the pokémon's soft insides from foes. Even so, the shell offers little in the way of protection against special attacks. Cloyster's shell has a nested gray-colored secondary shell inside its larger purple outer shell. Its "head" and face resemble a very large black pearl, with a pronounced horn-like white spike jutting out above its "head." Its face is similar to Gastly, though the two Pokémon are not related. It is has been noted that the nature of the inner contents of a Cloyster's shell are not actually known due to the difficulty of observing them.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Cloyster possesses incredible defensive capabilities unrivaled anywhere else in the Kanto region. Cloyster’s entire fighting style is focused around its uncanny defense: its shell. Cloyster attacks by firing sharp spikes off of its shell via telling moves such as spike cannon while it keeps clamped tightly shut. It is said to be impossible to open from the outside. Aside from its remarkable defense, Cloyster is also capable of unleashing a considerable arsenal of offenses, mostly including Water and Ice-type attacks, but reaching to Poison and Dark-type as well. This Pokémon is generally unmoving on land, though capable of moving quickly only underwater using syphon-jet propulsion much like any other bivalve. It is sometimes depicted as having the ability to inexplicably float through the air.

Behavior

In spite of its grim semblance and its menacing guise, Cloyster's behavior is actually quite unremarkable. In battle, the cowardly Cloyster clamps its monstrous, impenetrable shell tightly shut so that it may not be forced ajar. It then attacks recklessly and aimlessly in all directions with the random, ballistic fire of the spikes on its shell. This haphazard, hit-or-miss style of attack does not earn Cloyster high respect in the field of tactical gumption or cleverness. Though its personality may be lacking, the grimace on its face is perpetual.

Habitat

Sea Pokémon

Cloyster live deep under the sea, usually on the seabed or amongst coral and rocks. Their range is basically the same as Shellder's.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Cloyster in the anime

Major appearances

Lorelei's Cloyster

Lorelei used a Cloyster against Ash in The Mandarin Island Miss Match.

Other

Butch used a Cloyster during his and Cassidy's attempt to capture Moltres in The Search for the Legend.

A Cloyster appeared in Staging a Heroes Welcome under the ownership of Kyle.

Minor appearances

Cloyster debuted in The Bridge Bike Gang, where Misty battled against one owned by Tyra.

A Cloyster appeared in The Battling Eevee Brothers.

Giovanni's Cloyster first appeared in The Battle of the Badge.

A Cloyster appeared in Lights, Camera, Quack-tion, as part of the cast for the movie "Pokémon in Love".

Ash battled a Cloyster belonging to Pete Pebbleman during the Indigo League in Fire and Ice. It reappeared in a flashback in Friends to the End. Also, in the latter episode, another Cloyster under the ownership of an unknown Trainer, appeared during the closing ceremonies of the Indigo League.

A Cloyster appeared in Poké Ball Peril.

Mateo owned a Cloyster in The Crystal Onix.

Multiple Cloyster also appeared in The Power of One.

A Trainer used a Cloyster in Hook, Line, and Stinker to aid him in the annual Seaking Catching Competition.

A Cloyster made a cameo in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

A Cloyster can be seen in To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP036 Cloyster Ash's Pokédex Cloyster, a Bivalve Pokémon. Its shell is incredibly strong and resistant to a bomb. Its shell only opens when it attacks.

In the manga

Cloyster in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Lorelei's Cloyster

First seen against Yellow in conjunction with her Dewgong. Later, in the battle on Cerise Island, it kept the voodoo dolls of Green and Sabrina (which kept their arms bound by an ice cuff) safely out of reach while Lorelei battled them. Although it initially seemed that with Green out cold, Sabrina stood little chance, she feigned attacking repeatedly and slowly sapped Cloyster's strength using Mega Drain, eventually fainting it. Lorelei realized this, and quickly took back the dolls.

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 due to the tough shell it possesses, said to withstand the damage of a Napalm Bomb. However, though they fought valiantly and pushed Sird to her limits, ultimately the insidious villain won by having her Starmie camouflage itself and attack where they couldn't defend.

The boss of Team Rocket, Giovanni, is shown in several rounds using Cloyster. He used it to freeze two Magmar after having a chat with Red. Then, when Red came to beat him, he used it to freeze Poli.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Cloyster is drawn by Mato as having a blue marking like a jewel on its head, beneath the spike. The official art by Ken Sugimori, however, does not. This is likely because the white circle seen on Cloyster's head in most early sprites and the Generation I Sugimori art was interpreted by Mato as a jewel, but was actually intended just to be glare. Satoshi Yamamoto, who took over starting at Volume 10, did not make the same error.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Main article: Lorelei's Cloyster

Lorelei's Cloyster is the first opponent Satoshi faces in the Pokémon League.

In the TCG

Main article: Cloyster (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Pinball: A Cloyster appears on the Blue Table. When the pinball can be shot into the Cloyster, Catch'em Mode is activated, allowing for the capture of a Pokémon.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red When attacked, it launches its horns in quick volleys. Its innards have never been seen. Blue Yellow For protection, it uses its harder-than-diamonds shell. It also shoots spikes from the shell. Stadium Its shell is so hard, it can even withstand a bomb. No one has ever seen what is inside its shell.
Generation II Gold Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superior strength. Silver Cloyster that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells. Crystal Even a missile can't break the spikes it uses to stab opponents. They're even harder than its shell. Stadium 2 Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superior strength.
Generation III Ruby 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. Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald It swims in the sea by swallowing water, then jetting it out toward the rear. The Cloyster shoots spikes from its shell using the same system. FireRed Its shell is extremely hard. It cannot be shattered, even with a bomb. The shell opens only when it is attacking. LeafGreen When attacked, it launches its horns in quick volleys. Its innards have never been seen.
Generation IV Diamond It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold Once it slams its shell shut, it is impossible to open, even by those with superior strength. SoulSilver Cloyster that live in seas with harsh tidal currents grow large, sharp spikes on their shells.
Generation V Black It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 It fights by keeping its shell tightly shut for protection and by shooting spikes to repel foes. White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue None Evolve Shellder Blue (Japan) None Evolve Shellder Yellow None Evolve Shellder
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Shellder Crystal None Evolve Shellder
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Shellder (FireRed only) Colosseum None Trade XD None Evolve Shellder
Generation IV Diamond Pearl None Evolve Shellder Platinum None Evolve Shellder HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Shellder Pal Park Sea Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Rare Route 13, Undella Town, Undella Bay (Rippling Water) Black 2 White 2 Unknown Route 13, Undella Town, Seaside Cave, Humilau City (Fishing) Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Snap	River
Pokémon Channel	Secret Cove
Pokémon Pinball	Evolve Shellder
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 10 Endless Level 29 Forever Level 59 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve Shellder
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Miracle Sea (B1-B18) Deep Miracle Sea (B1-B4)
Pokémon Rumble	Bright Beach
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Beach: Challenger's Ground (post ending) Lake: All*

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
	Video Game Championships 2013 Cloyster	English	United States	30	January 20, 2013

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Black	White	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Black 2	White 2	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Events*		Choice Scarf (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 50		110 - 157	210 - 304
Attack: 95		90 - 161	175 - 317
Defense: 180		166 - 255	328 - 504
Sp. Atk: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Sp. Def: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Speed: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Total: 525	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 85.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 1/2 ★☆	Power 4/5 ★★★★☆
Skill 1/1 ★	Stamina 4/4 ★★★★
Jump 2/2 ★★	Total 12/14 ★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ¼× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ¼× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ¼× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 2× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock 2× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water ½× Grass 2× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice ¼× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000— ——% 20 00Start Withdraw Water Status 0000— ——% 40 00Start Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 00Start Protect Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 00Start Aurora Beam Ice Special 06565 100100% 20 1313 Spike Cannon Normal Physical 02020 100100% 15 2828 Spikes Ground Status 0000— ——% 20 5252 Icicle Crash Ice Physical 08585 09090% 10

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cloyster Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cloyster Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM07	Hail	Ice	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM13	Ice Beam	Ice	Special	09595	100}}100%	10
	TM14	Blizzard	Ice	Special	120120	070}}70%	5
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM41	Torment	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM64	Explosion	Normal	Physical	250250	100}}100%	5
	TM66	Payback	Dark	Physical	05050	100}}100%	10
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM79	Frost Breath	Ice	Special	04040	090}}90%	10
	TM84	Poison Jab	Poison	Physical	08080	100}}100%	20
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	HM03	Surf	Water	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	HM06	Dive	Water	Physical	08080	100}}100%	10
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cloyster Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cloyster Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Aqua Ring	Water	Status	—	—%	20
	Avalanche‡	Ice	Physical	60	100%	10
	Barrier	Psychic	Status	—	—%	30
	BubbleBeam	Water	Special	65	100%	20
	Icicle Spear	Ice	Physical	25	100%	30
	Mud Shot	Ground	Special	55	95%	15
	Rapid Spin*	Normal	Physical	20	100%	40
	Rock Blast	Rock	Physical	25	90%	10
	Screech	Normal	Status	—	85%	40
	Take Down‡	Normal	Physical	90	85%	20
	Twineedle*	Bug	Physical	25	100%	20
	Water Pulse	Water	Special	60	100%	20
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Cloyster in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Cloyster in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cloyster Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cloyster Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Icy Wind	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Iron Defense	Steel	Status	—	—%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Cloyster can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Cloyster cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cloyster Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cloyster Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Tackle	Normal	Physical	50	100%	35
	Icicle Spear	Ice	Physical	25	100%	30
	Leer	Normal	Status	—	100%	30
	Clamp	Water	Physical	35	85%	10
	Ice Shard	Ice	Physical	40	100%	30
	Razor Shell	Water	Physical	75	95%	10
	Whirlpool	Water	Special	35	85%	15
	Brine	Water	Special	65	100%	10
	Iron DefenseBW	Steel	Status	—	—%	15
	Shell Smash	Normal	Status	—	—%	15
	Hydro Pump	Water	Special	120	80%	5
‡	Icy WindBW	Ice	Special	55	95%	15
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Cloyster Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Cloyster Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Lick	Cloyster (Expedition 8)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 091.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Bountiful Sea Phrases 51%-100% HP My shell can't be broken no matter what attack is thrown! 26%-50% HP Trouble... My health is half gone. 1%-25% HP It's all over... Even my shell is cracking... Level up My level went up! Hit me with any weapon! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up My level went up! Hit me with any weapon!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -4.5% IQ group: E
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●●●● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●●●●● Speed ●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

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 Cloyster images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

File:CloysterShell.png

A shell without a Cloyster in it.

• Cloyster has the highest Defense of both Water and Ice types.
• Cloyster's Red and Blue Versions' sprite shows its shell positioned horizontally instead of vertically.
• Although it is stated many times in the Pokédex entry for Cloyster that its innards have never been seen, in the seventh episode of the original series, during the events at the Cerulean Gym a hollow Cloyster shell is shown hanging from the ceiling. It apparently had been reused as a loudspeaker. This leaves wide open the possibility that a Cloyster's innards could have been observed.

Origin

It appears to be based on a bivalve, more specifically the genus spondylus, with a black pearl as its head.

Name origin

Cloyster is a pun on cloister (to seclude or shelter oneself) which contains the word, oyster or is a portmantaeu of clam and oyster.

Parshen may be a combination of パール pearl and シェル shell.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese パルシェン Parshen Possibly from パール and シェル French Crustabri From crustacé and abri Spanish Cloyster Same as English name German Austos From Auster Italian Cloyster Same as English name Korean 파르셀 Pareusel Mandarin Chinese 鐵甲貝 / 铁甲贝 Tiějiǎbèi Means "Armored shell" Cantonese Chinese 鐵甲貝 Titgaapbui Means "Armored shell"

More languages

External links

← #090: Shellder

Pokémon

#092: Gastly →

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.