Shellder is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. This bivalve Pokémon is encased in a hard, purple shell that is said to be harder than diamond. Its most distinctive feature is its large red tongue, which is always hanging out and is used with great dexterity to dig up sand from the seabed in search of food. Shellder's shell provides excellent defense, allowing it to withstand various attacks.
Interestingly, Shellder plays a crucial role in the evolution of Slowpoke into Slowbro or Slowking. When attached to Slowpoke's tail or head, Shellder releases venom that triggers the evolution. In its natural habitat, Shellder can swim backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell, demonstrating surprising speed.
Shellder has the unique ability to create pearls from accumulated sand inside its shell. However, these pearls often get in the way, so Shellder spits them out and discards them. At night, it uses its broad tongue to burrow a hole in the seafloor sand and sleep in it, closing its shell but leaving its tongue hanging out.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Bivalve Pokémon
- Height: 0.3 m (1'00")
- Weight: 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs)
- Abilities: Shell Armor, Skill Link, Overcoat (Hidden)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Water 3
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Cycles: 20 (4,884–5,140 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: Its hard shell repels any kind of attack. It is vulnerable only when its shell is open.
- Yellow: The shell can withstand any attack. However, when it is open, the tender body is exposed.
- Gold: It swims facing backward by opening and closing its two-piece shell. It is surprisingly fast.
- Ruby/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.
Evolutions
Shellder evolves into Cloyster when exposed to a Water Stone.
Habits
Shellder is known to clamp onto any object it can find with its powerful shell. It uses its tongue to burrow into the sand and search for food. When threatened, it can close its shell tightly for protection, but this also exposes its vulnerable tongue.
Additions Across Generations
In Generation 2, Shellder gained the ability to learn Icicle Spear as an egg move. Generation 3 introduced its hidden ability, Overcoat. In Generation 6, Shellder's base experience yield was changed from 97 to 61. The Alola region Pokédex entries added information about Shellder's pearl-making ability and its reaction to having its tongue pulled.