In a fascinating intersection of pop culture and paleontology, scientists have named a newly discovered extinct sawshark species Pochitaserra patriciacanalae, a playful yet respectful nod to the character Pochita from the hit manga and anime Chainsaw Man.
The name combines Pochita’s chainsaw-like features with the Latin word serra, meaning saw, to reflect the shark’s distinctive elongated snout.
Discovered in Chile’s Bahía Inglesa Formation, this fossil find pays tribute not only to a beloved anime figure but also to the late Chilean paleontologist Patricia Canales.
The Discovery in Chile
The fossils of this ancient sawshark came to light in the Atacama Region, specifically within the Bahía Inglesa Formation, a geologically rich area known for preserving marine life from the Neogene period.
According to researchers, approximately 300 kilograms of sediment were collected from the site, yielding a trove of microfossils. Among these remains, the team identified teeth that did not match any known species, prompting them to define a new genus and species.
Why Named It After Pochita?
The choice to name the shark Pochitaserra has a clever rationale. In Chainsaw Man, Pochita is a tiny devil with a chainsaw blade built into its head.
Sawsharks, the group to which this fossil belongs, have long, serrated rostrums lined with sharp teeth — much like the appearance of a chainsaw.
According to Tokyo Weekender, the researchers, including Dr. Martín Chávez Hoffmeister, said they deliberately connected the fossil’s anatomy with Pochita’s iconic saw-laden face, making the name both descriptive and evocative.
Honoring a Paleontologist
The specific name patriciacanalae honors Dr. Patricia Canales, a respected Chilean paleontologist who made significant contributions to the study of marine fossils before she passed away in 2022.
By combining her name with a reference to Pochita, the researchers created a tribute that bridges scientific legacy and pop culture.
Age and Appearance
Based on the geological layer in which the teeth were found, scientists estimate that Pochitaserra patriciacanalae lived during the Late Miocene, around 7 million years ago.
The preserved teeth reveal a rostrum structure typical of sawsharks: an elongated, blade-like snout lined with lateral tooth rows that might have made it an efficient predator of small fish.
Reactions
The announcement has sparked delight among both anime fans and scientists alike. For fans of Chainsaw Man, the naming feels like a whimsical crossover — a piece of their beloved fictional world made real through science.
Meanwhile, for paleontologists, this gesture opens a door to making science more accessible and engaging, particularly to younger generations. One researcher said that by drawing on pop culture, they hoped to make the discovery both memorable and inspirational.
Significance
Beyond its name, Pochitaserra contributes to our understanding of sawshark evolution during the Miocene. Its fossils expand our knowledge of elasmobranch diversity in South America, especially in the marine ecosystems of the Bahía Inglesa Formation.
Because sawshark skeletons rarely fossilize intact, most species are known only from teeth, so each find offers valuable snapshots of life in ancient seas.
Creating A Lasting Legacy
By naming this ancient creature after Pochita, the scientists have created a legacy that will endure in both scientific literature and fan discussions.
Pochitaserra patriciacanalae stands not only as a new genus in paleontology but also as proof that science and pop culture can merge in meaningful, creative ways.
As fossil discoveries continue, perhaps more characters from stories we love will find their place in the natural history books, reminding us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.
