Shellder
Shellder is a Water-type Pokémon with a distinctive bivalve shell. Known for its biting capabilities, Shellder attaches to its prey using its sharp teeth. This aquatic Pokémon possesses unique adaptations for both defense and capturing its targets.
| National Pokedex No: 0090 |
| Type: |
| Category: Bivalve Pokémon |
| Height: 0.3 m (1′00″) |
| Weight : 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:
Shell Armor or Skill Link/Overcoat |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Shellder is a Pokémon with distinct physical characteristics. It resembles a bivalve mollusk, featuring a blue, cone-shaped shell with a hinge at the bottom. Its shell has prominent spikes and a pair of eyes visible from the opening.
The main body of Shellder is concealed within its shell, and it has a prominent, extendable tongue that it uses for latching onto objects. Shellder’s tongue is typically pink or purplish, and it can be seen protruding from the shell when it’s active. The tongue is also equipped with suction cups, aiding Shellder in its feeding and attachment processes.
Shellder’s eyes are visible when its shell is open, and it possesses a set of triangular, pointy teeth that are revealed when it bites onto a surface or a target. In some instances, Shellder is depicted with a pearl embedded in its shell.
These physical features contribute to Shellder’s unique appearance and play a role in its feeding habits and defensive mechanisms.
Behaviour
Shellder’s behavior is intricately tied to its aquatic habitat. Typically found in freshwater environments, Shellder is known for attaching itself to rocks, aquatic vegetation, or other surfaces using its extendable tongue, which features suction cups. This attachment serves a dual purpose, helping Shellder to remain stationary and also acting as a mechanism for capturing prey.
In its natural state, Shellder patiently awaits passing aquatic organisms. When prey is in proximity, Shellder uses its sharp, triangular teeth to clamp onto the target, ensuring a secure grip. The tongue’s suction cups aid in maintaining a firm hold on both prey and surfaces.
Shellder’s symbiotic relationship with Slowpoke is a notable aspect of its behavior. When Shellder bites onto Slowpoke’s tail, it triggers a transformative process leading to the evolution of Slowbro. This interaction is not only a crucial evolutionary event but also influences the behavior of Slowbro, often making it more aggressive due to the toxins released by Shellder.
Despite its potential for aggression, Shellder is not inherently hostile and can form bonds with Trainers and other Pokémon. This adaptability highlights the diverse nature of Shellder’s behavior in response to different environmental and social contexts.
Evolution
Shellder evolves into Cloyster through exposure to a Water Stone.
The Water Stone is a special evolutionary item that induces evolution in certain Water-type Pokémon, including Shellder. When a Trainer exposes Shellder to the energy emanating from the Water Stone, a transformation is triggered, resulting in the evolution into Cloyster.
This evolution is marked by significant changes in Shellder’s anatomy. The bivalve shell undergoes a remarkable transformation, adopting a more conical and protective form characteristic of Cloyster. The outer shell becomes harder and more durable, providing enhanced defense against potential threats. Cloyster also gains a set of pointed, icicle-like protrusions around its shell, contributing to its formidable appearance.
The evolution from Shellder to Cloyster is not only a visual transformation but also brings about changes in Cloyster’s abilities and characteristics. This process underscores the adaptability of Water-type Pokémon like Shellder, showcasing their capacity to evolve into more powerful and resilient forms through exposure to specific evolutionary stimuli.
In the case of Slowpoke, a unique evolution occurs when a Shellder attaches itself to Slowpoke’s tail. This interaction triggers a metamorphic process not seen in other Pokémon. The resulting evolution is twofold: Shellder evolves into a Slowbro, and Slowpoke simultaneously transforms into a more powerful and combative form.
It’s important to note that the standard Shellder-to-Cloyster evolution is a separate process from the unique evolution involving Slowpoke. The latter showcases the adaptability of Shellder’s evolutionary potential in response to specific environmental and social stimuli.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
In “The Evolution Solution” Jessie captured a Shellder on Seafoam Island. When it bit a Slowpoke‘s tail, causing it to evolve into Slowbro, Jessie’s Shellder left Team Rocket. In “A Crowning Achievement”, multiple Shellder evolved Slowpoke into Slowbro and Slowking. In “Battling a Cute Drama!” Marilyn admired her Shellder as the cutest Pokémon but was interrupted by Team Rocket before it could battle Brock’s Happiny.
Anime Minor Appearances
Shellder initially appeared as part of a Slowbro in “Island of the Giant Pokémon”. The first sighting of an unevolved Shellder was in “The Bridge Bike Gang” where it was sick and needed medicine. Subsequent appearances include its presence at the Pokémon Theme Park, receiving care from Nurse Joy, and being part of various island adventures.
In “Slowking’s Day” a Shellder lived in the ocean surrounding Shamouti Island. The Totodile Duel featured Shellder in a fantasy, and in “The Heartbreak of Brock”, a Shellder resided at Temacu’s father’s lab. Pryce kept several Shellder at the Mahogany Gym in “Nice Pryce Baby”. “Enlighten Up!” showcased a Shellder evolving a Slowpoke by biting its tail in Lake Slowpoke. Shellder also played a role in school-related activities, such as being lent to a student in “Gonna Rule The School!” and studied by Mallow in “The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair!”.
Multiple Shellder appeared in the following episodes:
- ”The Misty Mermaid” (owned by the Sensational Sisters living in the Cerulean Gym)
- ”The Power of One” (disturbed by Lawrence III)
- ”Going for the Gold!” (seen in the Ambrette Aquarium)
- ”The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair!” (Mallow conducted a class assignment studying them)
- ”Mantine Overboard!” (three of them)
- ”Alola to New Adventure!” (three of them)
- ”Legend? Go! Friends? Go!” (four of them)
A Coordinator’s Shellder participated in the Sandalstraw Contest in the episode ”Old Rivals, New Tricks!”.
A Trainer’s Shellder appeared also in the following epsodes:
- ”Octillery The Outcast” (participated in the Whril Cup)
- ”I Choose Paradise!” (three of them, two owned by different Trainers)
- ”Exhibition Unmasked!”
- ”Caring for a Mystery!”
- ”The Cuteness Quotient!” (participated in the Friendship Festival)
- ”Restore and Renew!”
Manga Appearances
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
During “Play Misty For Me” Misty hurled a Shellder at Ash when she caught him continuously gawking at her in her swimsuit.
Pokémon Adventures
In “Karate Machop!”, Lorelei commands numerous Shellder, utilizing them to assault Kanto with other Elite Four Pokemon. In “The Last Battle XIII,” a Shellder joins the fight in Ilex Forest. Additionally, in “Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! I”, another Shellder is featured among the aquarium Pokemon in Archie’s collection.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
A Shellder was seen in the 33rd chapter of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga, GDZ33.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
A Shellder appeared in the first chapter of the Pokémon Journeys: The Series manga, ”Legend? Check! Friends? Check!”.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Various Shellder appeared in this manga in the episodes ”The Legendary Pokémon Appears” (one seen attacking Clefairy), ”Which One is the Real Clefairy!?” (multiple) and ”Clefairy’s Under Training!!” (one owned by Bruno).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Routes 6, 11, 19, 20, 21, Vermilion City, Seafoam Islands, Cinnabar Island |
| Pokémon Yellow | Routes 17 and 18, Vermilion City Harbor |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Routes 20, 21, 26, 27 and 41, Olivine City harbor, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town, Cinnabar Island |
| Pokémon Crystal | Routes 20, 21, 26, 27 and 41, Olivine City harbor, Vermilion City, Pallet Town, New Bark Town, Cinnabar Island |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon FireRed | Pallet Town, Cinnabar Island, Vermilion City, One Island, Five Island, Icefall Cave |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | Trade |
| Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Cipher Key Lair |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 205, Valley Windworks, Fuego Ironworks |
| Pokémon Platinum | Route 212 (Poké Radar) |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Routes 16, 17 and 18, Celadon City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Routes 16, 17 and 18, Celadon City, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Route 13, Undella Town, Seaside Cave, Humilau City |
| Pokémon X | Breed Cloyster |
| Pokémon Y | Route 8 |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Kala'e Bay, Poké Pelago |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Kala'e Bay |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Seafoam Islands |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Trade |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | East Lake Axewell, West Lake Axewell, Giant's Seat, Courageous Cavern, Loop Lagoon |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Route 205, Fuego Ironworks, Valley Windworks, Fountainspring Cave, Riverbank Cave, Still-Water Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Three), East Province (Area One), East Province (Area Two), East Province (Area Three), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Four), South Province (Area Five), South Province (Area Six), West Province (Area One), West Province (Area Two), Glaseado Mountain, North Paldean Sea, East Paldean Sea, South Paldean Sea, West Paldean Sea |
Shellder's origin name
The Pokémon Shellder has consistent names across different languages, with variations that often reflect phonetic similarities to its English name.
English: Shellder – The English name is a combination of “shell,” referring to its protective outer covering, and possibly “shelter,” emphasizing its defensive nature.
Japanese: (ローマ字) Sherudā – The Japanese name is written in katakana as シェルダー (Sherudā), closely resembling the English pronunciation.
French: Kokiyas – The French name “Kokiyas” may be a play on “coquillage,” which means “shell” or “seashell” in French.
German: Muschas – The German name “Muschas” is likely derived from “Muschel,” meaning “shell” in German.
Spanish: Cloyster – The Spanish name remains the same as the English one, “Cloyster.”
Italian: Shellder – The Italian name is identical to the English name, “Shellder.”
Korean: Seldŏ (셀더) – The Korean name is written as 셀더 (Seldŏ), which is a phonetic approximation of the English name.
Chinese Simplified: 外壳蛋 (Wàiké Dàn) – The name translates to “Shell Egg.”
Chinese Traditional: 貝殼怪 (Bèiké Guài) – The name translates to “Shell Monster.”
These names emphasize Shellder’s characteristic feature, its protective shell.