Physiology
A Sandshrew is a ground-dwelling rodent notable for its defensive capabilities. Its body is mostly covered in a dry, tough hide which is colored to blend in with the sands of the desert. It can curl into a tight ball about the same size as a basketball to protect its soft underbelly. Its primary weapon is the small but sharp claws on its paws, which are also useful for burrowing and can sometimes be poisoned.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Sandshrew's special abilities are extremely limited compared to other Pokémon. It has a greater control over the ground and sand than the average Pokémon, mostly derived from adaptation to its habitat.
Behavior
In the wild, Sandshrew are mostly defensive by nature. They spend much of their time hidden underground in their burrows and will kick up sand or curl into a ball to escape predators. They may venture out to hunt, taking advantage of the desert sands to hide themselves.
However, with the help of a trainer, a Sandshrew can become bolder and much more daring, and can even be trained to swim despite the fact that they are weakened by the water. They are still fond of curling up, though, even if not for defense.
Habitat
They are adapted to dry, arid areas. Thus, they can be commonly found in deserts and grasslands, and sometimes in river valleys or the upper levels of caves as well. Wherever they are, they live underground in burrows.
Diet
Main article: Pokémon food
Sandshrew do not require a lot of water, due to a very efficient system of staying hydrated with minimal moisture. They hunt for prey in the wild.
Origin
Though its design appears to be inspired by armadillos, its actual inspiration was the pangolin, which is a scaly-anteater by another name. It to curls up into a ball, has sharp claws, and lives in deserty regions.
Name origin
Sandshrew's name is a combination of sand and shrew, a type of rodent. Its Japanese name simply refers to sand.
In other languages
- German: Sandan
- French: Sabelette - Sable means sand, belette means weasel.
- Korean: 모래두지 Moraeduji
- Chinese (Hong Kong and Taiwan): 穿山鼠 Chuan Shan Shű - A portmanteau of 穿山甲 (Chuan Shan Jia), meaning pangolin, and 鼠, meaning mouse. Literally means 'mouse that passes through mountains'.