Sandslash is a bipedal, ground dwelling pholidote Pokémon. Although Sandslash is usually bipedal, it can run on all fours. Most of its underside is light yellow with a white underbelly. It has a narrow muzzle, almond-shaped blue eyes, and a thick tail. Its back is mostly covered in sharp, brown quills formed from its tough, dry hide. It has two large claws on its paws and feet. These claws are its primary weapons, and are used for slashing. They can also be used for burrowing. Its claws and spikes can both break off and are shed regularly, but grow back quickly. It can curl into a large ball to protect its white underbelly. In this position, it can roll to attack or escape and protect itself from heatstroke. Sandslash is also adept at climbing trees, and is prone to ambush its enemies from above. Sandslash can mostly be found in deserts.
In the Alola region, Sandslash has an icy blue hide and quills covered in ice. These quills stand taller than a regular Sandslash's quills, and resemble icicles. This Pokémon uses its hide for camouflage in the snow, while leaving only its spines exposed. Its forepaws are larger than its counterpart, and its claws are longer, thinner, and hooked at the tips. Despite the weight of its ice-covered body, Alolan Sandslash is able to move swiftly by carving a path in the snow with its claws. This Pokémon tends to live in the deeper parts of snowy mountains, where climbing is forbidden. However, the sprays of snow it kicks up are popular shots for photographers.[1]
In the main series
Major appearances
A Sandslash owned by Corey was one of the Pokémon captured and cloned by Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back. When Team Rocket saw it being cloned, it was mistaken for its pre-evolution, Sandshrew. The Sandslash clone was seen again in Mewtwo Returns.
In Good 'Quil Hunting, a Pokémon Trainer named Koji informed Ash about a place that was good for catching Cyndaquil. After Ash captured a Cyndaquil, the Trainer challenged Ash to a 1-on-1 Pokémon battle to determine who would keep the Cyndaquil. Koji used a Sandslash against Ash's Cyndaquil and lost.
In Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!, several Sandslash helped dig a new lake for the Grass-type Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness, Sandslash was a member of Team Razor Wind, along with Scyther and Zangoose. The trio of clawed Pokémon were first seen being blasted out of Wigglytuff's Guild. Team Razor Wind overheard that Team Poképals were assigned with the task of traveling to the Labyrinth Cave to get a Gabite Scale for an ailing Shinx, and decided to attempt beating Team Poképals. Unfortunately for Team Razor Wind, Gabite beat them up. It reappeared alongside its team in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky - Beyond Time & Darkness.
Minor appearances
Sandslash first appeared in The Flame Pokémon-athon!.
A Sandslash appeared in A Chansey Operation as one of the injured Pokémon brought to the clinic.
A Sandslash appeared in To Master the Onixpected. It was stuck between the rocky body segments of a giant Onix and causing so much pain that the Rock Snake Pokémon rampaged until Bruno freed it.
A Sandslash appeared in Round One - Begin! under the ownership of a Trainer competing in the Indigo Plateau Conference.
Sandslash also appeared in The Power of One.
A Sandslash appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble.
A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Hello, Pummelo! in a photograph inside the Palace of Victory.
A Sandslash was part of the Pokémon Swap Meet in Tricks of the Trade.
Pietra used her Sandslash for her digging project in Right on, Rhydon!.
A Sandslash also appeared in Celebi: Voice of the Forest.
A Sandslash was seen in the wild in The Legend of Thunder!.
A Sandslash appeared in Nurse Joy's poem in Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?.
A Sandslash made a brief cameo along with a Sandshrew in Destiny Deoxys and Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
Sandslash also made a cameo in Numero Uno Articuno as a Pokémon belonging to Noland.
A Sandslash appeared in the opening Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.
In Gymbaliar!, a Trainer used a Sandslash to battle a wild Croagunk under Jessie's command.
Multiple Sandslash made a cameo in Arceus and the Jewel of Life.
A group of Sandslash also appeared in Historical Mystery Tour!.
A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Curtain Up, Unova League!.
A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, during a flashback.
A Sandslash appeared as a silhouette in SM003.
Pokédex entries
Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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EP071
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Sandslash
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Ash's Pokédex
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Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Sandshrew. It attacks opponents with the quills on its back.
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Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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DP008
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Sandslash
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. When it runs at full speed, it sends up a thick cloud of sand in order to hide itself.
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In Pokémon Origins
A Sandslash appeared in a flashback in File 2:Cubone.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Sandslash first appeared in Sea Sea Seadra where a wild Sandslash and Weezing appeared behind Bill still showing the ecology in Viridian Forest hasn't changed back to normal in two years.
In A Flaaffy Kerfuffle a Sandslash appeared where it was one of the Pokémon in Professor Oak's fantasy when he explains that trainers should only have six Pokémon with them.
Sandslash's most predominant appearance was in Sandslash Surprise. While trying to find out their location, Gold and Silver are attacked by a swarm of spiky balls, which are revealed to be Sandslash fleeing from the wrath of Lugia.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
Giovanni used Sandslash in his hair salon.