Scientists recently discovered an ancient sawshark species and named it after Pochita, a character from the popular anime/manga Chainsaw Man. For the unversed, Pochita is the constant companion of series protagonist Denji and also the source of his powers. Fans have since reacted to the sawshark being named after a prominent anime character.
Anime fans react to prehistoric shark named after Chainsaw Man character
Numerous anime fans have reacted to a recently discovered prehistoric shark being named Pochitaserra patriciacanalesae after Pochita from Chainsaw Man.
The prehistoric shark’s fossil was discovered in Chile’s Bahía Inglesa Formation in the Atacama Region. It was one of two ancient species discovered and was explored in a study published by Papers in Palaeontology.
The ancient sawshark was named after Pochita in an attempt to bridge scientific discoveries with pop culture, according to Universidad de Concepción researcher Martín Chávez Hoffmeister. The prehistoric shark’s name not only honors Pochita but also the late Chilean paleontologist Patricia Canales. She researched marine fossils during her career before her demise in 2022.
Moreover, the shark bears an uncanny resemblance to Pochita. It has a light brown body and an elongated snout with jagged teeth that look like the chainsaw resting on Pochita’s face between its eyes.
“Never chainSAW this coming,” a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another called the choice to name the prehistoric shark after Denji’s adorable companion “the most wholesome crossover between science and anime.”
“Wonder how friendly it is,” a third fan asked. Moreover, another remarked, “Paleontology finally getting the pop culture recognition it deserves.”
The prehistoric shark being named after Pochita comes at an incredible time, as the newly released Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc has been breaking box office records and doing incredibly well financially.
Science naming animal species after pop culture figures is not exactly new. Numerous fictional characters and celebrities have been immortalized through various species. For example, the Epicratinus zelda spider species gets its name from Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda video game series. Also, the millipede species Nannaria swiftae was named after pop icon Taylor Swift.
