Fans want shark-inspired Pokémon in the new Winds and Waves region

"Winds and Waves" need more than fins and teeth to introduce a new Shark-inspired Pokémon.

The upcoming "Winds and Waves" region could give Pokémon fans plenty of opportunities to discover new ocean-inspired creatures. One recent Reddit discussion focused on what kind of shark Pokémon could fit the setting.

The idea makes sense if the region takes inspiration from tropical environments. Indonesia, in particular, has a wide variety of shark species that could provide inspiration for new Pokémon designs.

Sharpedo is currently the most obvious shark-inspired Pokémon. Garchomp is another close example, although fans often describe it as a land shark because of its appearance and behavior.

That leaves plenty of room for a Pokémon based on a more recognizable shark species.

A new design could explore traits that existing Pokémon have not used. It could also introduce a different typing, ability, or evolution mechanic.

Indonesia is home to several reef shark species. These include the blacktip reef shark, whitetip reef shark, and gray reef shark.

Each could translate well into a Pokémon design.

According to one of the Reddit comments, a blacktip-inspired Pokémon could feature distinctive dark markings on its fins. A whitetip-based creature could focus on its pale fin tips and reef-dwelling habits. A gray reef shark could provide a more traditional shark silhouette.

The Indonesian whaler shark was also mentioned by fans. Despite its name, it does not actually specialize in hunting whales, making it another interesting source of inspiration.

Unusual Sharks Could Create More Original Designs

Not every shark-inspired Pokémon needs to look like a typical shark.

Bamboo sharks could provide a more unusual concept. These bottom-dwelling sharks search the seafloor for small fish and crustaceans.

Wobbegong sharks offer another option. Their remarkably flat bodies and camouflage could translate into a Pokémon that blends into coral reefs or rocky seabeds.

Walking sharks could be even more distinctive. They use their fins to move across shallow reefs and coral flats. That behavior could inspire a unique movement-based ability.

Some fans simply want a Pokémon that immediately looks like a shark.

The hammerhead shark was one popular suggestion. Its unusual head shape could make it instantly recognizable, especially if the design exaggerated the hammer-like appearance.

Others proposed a regional Sharpedo. A new regional form could give the existing Pokémon a different appearance, typing, and abilities while keeping its shark identity.

A regional Garchomp was another possibility. Fans have also pointed to Gible's connection to tropical environments when discussing how such a variant could work.

A Megalodon-inspired Pokémon could offer another direction.

The prehistoric shark could work especially well as a fossil Pokémon. Its enormous size and extinct status would fit naturally with the franchise's history of turning ancient creatures into collectible monsters.

The goblin shark also attracted attention. One fan imagined it as a Water/Fairy Pokémon with an ability that could give Dark-type attacks an additional STAB-like effect.

The discussion eventually moved beyond sharks. Fans pointed out that there are still countless marine animals that could inspire future Pokémon. Cephalopods are one possibility. A giant squid-inspired legendary or mythical Pokémon could offer an especially dramatic addition.

For now, there is no confirmation that "Winds and Waves" will introduce any of these concepts.

Still, the ideas show how much creative potential remains in ocean-based Pokémon designs. Reef sharks, hammerheads, walking sharks, goblin sharks, and Megalodons could each produce very different creatures.

Elsewhere, fans wanted to see scrapped designs come to life in Gen 10.