Shellder (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0089: Muk	Pokémon	#0091: 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 #0090 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	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 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.

• 

  Attached to Slowbro

• 

  Attached to Mega Slowbro

• 

  Attached to Galarian Slowbro

• 

  Attached to Slowking

• 

  Attached to Galarian Slowking

Evolution

Shellder evolves into Cloyster.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Unevolved Shellder  Water

→

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.

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.

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 City 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 60	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 (100%)
Yellow
Gold	Silver	Pearl (23%) Big Pearl (2%)
Crystal
FireRed	LeafGreen	Pearl (50%) 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
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 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  TM001 TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM011 TM011 Water Pulse Water Special 06060 100}}100% 20 TM022 TM022 Chilling Water Water Special 05050 100}}100% 20 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM034 TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM035 TM035 Mud Shot Ground Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM046 TM046 Avalanche Ice Physical 06060 100}}100% 10 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM052 TM052 Snowscape Ice Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM076 TM076 Rock Blast Rock Physical 02525 090}}90% 10 TM077 TM077 Waterfall Water Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM090 TM090 Spikes Ground Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM091 TM091 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM104 TM104 Iron Defense Steel Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 TM110 TM110 Liquidation Water Physical 08585 100}}100% 10 TM123 TM123 Surf Water Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM124 TM124 Ice Spinner Ice Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM135 TM135 Ice Beam Ice Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM142 TM142 Hydro Pump Water Special 110110 080}}80% 5 TM143 TM143 Blizzard Ice Special 110110 070}}70% 5 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM187 TM187 Icicle Spear Ice Physical 02525 100}}100% 30 TM208 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  * Aqua Ring Water Status — —% 20 Bubble Beam Water Special 65 100% 20 * Life Dew Water Status — —% 10 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   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 Super Mystery Dungeon 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 Walking Speed: 1.67 seconds Base HP: 41 Base Attack: 69 Base Defense: 51 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Water Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Water Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #574 Block Smash Clears one unbreakable-block disruption without fail.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 102 Base Attack: 116 Base Defense: 134 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 50 Fast Attacks: Ice Shard, Tackle Charged Attacks: Bubble Beam, Water Pulse, Icy Wind, Razor Shell*, Frustration, Return

Evolution data

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

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!

Generation VIII Sword Shield

Cross-Generation HOME

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

In the anime

For a comprehensive 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

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 HZ042.

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

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 Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Shellder appeared in GDZ33.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

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 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.
  • 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 Japanese シェルダー Shellder From shell and possibly shelter French Kokiyas From coquillage Spanish Shellder Same as English/Japanese name German Muschas From Muschel and Wasser Italian Shellder Same as English/Japanese name Korean 셀러 Sellor Similar to the Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 大舌貝 / 大舌贝 Dàshébèi From 大 dà, 舌 shé, and 貝 / 贝 bèi Cantonese Chinese 大舌貝 Dàshébèi* 貝殼怪 Buihokgwaai* From 大 dà, 舌 shé, and 貝 bèi From 貝殼 buihok and 怪 gwaai

More languages Hindi शेल्डर Shellder Transcription of English name Russian Шеллдер Shellder Transcription of English name Thai เชลเดอร์ Cheldoe Transcription of Japanese name

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• Galarian form
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External links

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Pokémon

#0091: 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.