Shellder (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #089: Muk	Pokémon	#091: Cloyster →
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 #090 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Water Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Shell Armor or Skill Link 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	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Purple	Base friendship 70
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 Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves into Cloyster when exposed to a Water Stone.

Biology

Shellder is a black pearl-like Pokémon encased within a spiky, blue-violet bivalve shell. It has two round white eyes with tiny black pupils. It has an enormously long red tongue, which it uses to burrow itself into sand and to lure and capture prey. Its body is known to be soft and tender; however, its shell is said to be harder than diamond. Prehistoric Shellder were apparently preyed upon by Omastar. Once ensnared by Omastar's tentacles, its hard shell stood no match to the Spiral Pokémon's deadly powerful bite, and its soft insides quickly devoured.

Shellder can develop a symbiotic relationship with Slowpoke. After attaching itself to the Dopey Pokémon's tail, the two undergo a metamorphosis and together evolve into Slowbro. 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 obtain a new stage in its life cycle.

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.

Shellder has two former signature moves. It can shoot spears of ice by using Icicle Spear, or clamp tightly to its opponents using Clamp. 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 sea floor home by rapidly opening and closing its shell while facing backward.

In the anime

For a list of Shellder's appearances in the anime as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the anime sections of Slowbro and Slowking.

Shellder in the anime

Spiral Shellder in the anime

Crown 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.

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

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

Minor appearances

Shellder's first appearance was 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.

Multiple Shellder appeared in The Misty Mermaid under the ownership of the Sensational Sisters. One reappeared in Cerulean Blues.

A sick Shellder was treated by Nurse Joy in The Joy of Pokémon.

Multiple Shellder also appeared in The Power of One and Going for the Gold!.

A Shellder living in the ocean surrounding Shamouti Island appeared in Slowking's Day.

A Shellder was one of the Pokémon living at Temacu's father's lab in The Heartbreak of Brock.

Three Shellder appeared in Mantine Overboard! living underwater.

A Trainer's Shellder went up against Ash's Totodile in Octillery The Outcast during a qualifying match for the Whirl Cup and lost.

In A Parent Trapped!, a Shellder was living underwater.

Pryce of Mahogany Town owns multiple Shellder in Nice Pryce Baby.

A Shellder bit a Slowpoke's tail, evolving it in the process, in Enlighten Up!.

A Coordinator's Shellder appeared in Old Rivals, New Tricks! participating in the Sandalstraw Contest.

Three Shellder appeared in Alola to New Adventure!.

A Shellder appeared in SM005, during a fantasy.

A Shellder appeared in SM012, when Sophocles went to explore a Shellder for a class assignment.

A Shellder appeared in SM015 on the beach near Professor Kukui's house.

Pokédex entries

For Shellder's Pokédex entries as part of Slowbro or Slowking, see the Pokédex entries sections of Slowbro and Slowking.

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.

Shellder in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

In Karate Machop! in Pokémon Adventures, Lorelei owns several Shellder. These Shellder were sent to attack Kanto alongside several other Elite Four Pokémon.

In The Last Battle XIII a Shellder was one of the Pokémon sent to help the fight in Ilex Forest.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

Misty threw a Shellder at Ash after he was constantly staring at her in her swimsuit.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Clefairy was attacked by a Shellder in The Legendary Pokémon Appears.

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).

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Seafoam Islands Routes 6, 11, 19, 20, and 21, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Seafoam Islands, and Cinnabar Island (Super Rod) Blue (Japan) Seafoam Islands Routes 6, 11, 19, 20, and 21, Vermilion City, Vermilion Harbor, Seafoam Islands, and Cinnabar Island (Super Rod) Yellow Vermilion Harbor and Routes 17 and 18 (Super Rod)

Generation II Gold Silver Routes 20, 21, 26, 27 and 41, Olivine City*, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town and Cinnabar Island (Good/Super Rod) Crystal Routes 20, 21, 26, 27 and 41, Olivine City*, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town and Cinnabar Island (Good/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, and 47, Vermilion City, Cinnabar Island, Pallet Town, and New Bark Town (Good/Super Rod) Pal Park Sea Pokéwalker Blue Lake and 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

Side games

Generation I Snap River Pinball Vermilion City Seaside, Vermilion City Streets, Seafoam Islands

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 (1F-8F), Silver Trench (1F-8F), Far-off Sea (1F-8F), Marvelous Sea (B1-B5), Fantasy Strait (B1-B5)

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Beach Cave (B1-B4), Surrounded Sea (B1-B5) MD Sky Beach Cave (B1-B4), Surrounded Sea (B1-B5) 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 Shuffle Event: A New Pokémon Safari! Rumble World Origin Hideaway: Secret Cove (All Areas), Distortion Land: Vast Ocean (All Areas)

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

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
HeartGold	SoulSilver	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Black	White	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Black 2	White 2	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
X	Y	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)
Sun	Moon	Pearl (50%)	Big Pearl (5%)

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.

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 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 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× Fairy 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

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

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— ——% 40 088 Supersonic Normal Status 0000— 05555% 20 1313 Icicle Spear Ice Physical 02525 100100% 30 1616 Protect Normal Status 0000— ——% 10 2020 Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 2525 Clamp Water Physical 03535 08585% 15 2828 Ice Shard Ice Physical 04040 100100% 30 3232 Razor Shell Water Physical 07575 09595% 10 3737 Aurora Beam Ice Special 06565 100100% 20 4040 Whirlpool Water Special 03535 08585% 15 4444 Brine Water Special 06565 100100% 10 4949 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000— ——% 15 5252 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100100% 10 5656 Shell Smash Normal Status 0000— ——% 15 6161 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/HM

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM07 TM07 Hail Ice Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM13 TM13 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM14 TM14 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM64 TM64 Explosion Normal Physical 250250 100}}100% 5 TM66 TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM94 TM94 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20

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 TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Aqua Ring Water Status — —% 20 Avalanche Ice Physical 60 100% 10 Barrier Psychic Status — —% 20 Bubble Beam 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 Shellder in Generation VII 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 Shellder in that game. 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

By tutoring

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

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Shellder can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Shellder cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor 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   Acquisition: Catch			Pokémon Trozei! 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 Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: E
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Battle Trozei Water Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Water Attack Power: 50 - 70 0 #574 Block Smash Clears one unbreakable-block disruption without fail.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 60 Base Attack: 116 Base Defense: 168 Egg Distance: 5 km Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 50 Fast Attacks: Ice Shard, Tackle Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Water Pulse, Icy Wind

Evolution

Unevolved Shellder  Water

Water Stone →

First Evolution Cloyster  Water  Ice

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

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.

Slowbro form	Slowking form	Slowbro back sprites	Slowking back sprites

Trivia

Shellder and Slowpoke evolving into Slowking in A Crowning Achievement

• In the anime, 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.
• In the episode The Evolution Solution, it is revealed that Shellder is still capable of speech as the shell of a Slowbro.
• Shellder were shown 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.

Origin

Shellder is similar to the clam, with its tongue representing a clam's "foot." The fact that it latches onto Slowpoke and produces a beneficial toxin may be inspired by leeches.

Name origin

Shellder is derived from shell and possibly shelter, referring to the fact that it lives in a shell.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese シェルダー Shellder From shell French Kokiyas From coquille and maybe as Spanish Shellder Same as English/Japanese name German Muschas From Muschel Italian Shellder Same as English/Japanese name Korean 셀러 Sellor Corrupted transliteration of English/Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 大舌貝 / 大舌贝 Dàshébèi Literally "Big-tongued shell" Cantonese Chinese 貝殼怪 Buihokgwaai Means "Shell freak"

More languages Hindi शेलदर Shellder Transcription of English/Japanese name Russian Шеллдер Shellder Transcription of English/Japanese name

External links

← #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.