Dandadan introduces fans to a world where aliens and ghosts exist. While most of them pose a threat to humanity, there are a few who are not evil. Some are outright wholesome and help the main cast, among them is Chiquitita. He is a tiny alien boy with a big heart, an infectious smile, and an aviator hat he’s rarely seen without.
Chiquitita is a young alien boy introduced in the Dandadan manga during the Serpo storyline. In this story, he is said to be the son of Mr.Mantis Shrimp, and they are a mysterious alien type known as the Dover Demon.
In the chaotic world of Dandadan, their side story is refreshingly wholesome as it shows us how much a father would endure to save his son. Moreover, this series usually had an extraterrestrial character with a disturbing design, but Chiquitita is cute.
Interestingly, Chiquitita has more than one form. His true form differs from his humanoid disguise, giving him a distinctly alien appearance when the need arises. The anime adaptation’s concept art further highlights the careful design put into his character, balancing cuteness with otherworldly charm.

Chiquitita is a ray of sunshine in Dandadan’s often chaotic narrative. He’s innocent, cheerful, and almost always smiling. His childlike wonder doesn’t come with naivety; however, Chiquitita is also shown to be highly dependable and intelligent. Whether he’s operating spacecraft or assessing dangerous situations, he demonstrates calmness and responsibility far beyond his years.
His bond with his father is truly touching, as it is the first time the audience gets to see a good extraterrestrial. Till now, every supernatural entity or alien was either forced or manipulated to help the main squad. But this father-son duo extends their gratitude by being genuinely good characters.

Especially after Granny Seiko and the crew help cure Chiquitita, Mr. Mantis Shrimp softens, and both he and his son become part of the story’s growing found family. Their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth to the manga’s otherwise chaotic and supernatural antics.
The biggest contribution but the father-son duo in Dandadan is notable in the Evil Eye arc. After the Evil Eye ends up destroying the Ayase household, Chiquitita joins the others in rebuilding it using Ludris’ nanoskin, an alien technology with reconstructive abilities.
Even during this process, Chiquitita maintains his cheerful spirit and takes time to play with Aira, showcasing his emotional range and how well he’s integrated into the group.
Powers and abilities of Chiquitita in Dandadan
While Chiquitita may not be a front-line fighter like Okarun or Momo, he’s far from helpless. All members of his species are said to possess impressive strength and resilience. However, two key factors might hinder his full potential:
His Illness – The disease he inherited from his mother may limit his physical capabilities.
His Heritage – His father, Mr. Mantis Shrimp, is known to be among the weaker members of their race.
That said, Chiquitita in Dandadan compensates in other ways. His most notable ability is his exceptional piloting skills. He can easily handle advanced spacecraft with precision and quick thinking.
For instance, he maneuvered the Tsuchinoko corpse to douse fires and pulled off a daring rescue of Okarun. His strengths lie in intelligence, quick decision-making, and support, making him invaluable in high-pressure scenarios.
Final thoughts
Chiquitita is a small side character in Dandadan, but because of his cute personality and character design, he is memorable. Whether he’s piloting a spacecraft, playing with friends, or bravely standing his ground, Chiquitita proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. And in the wild universe of Dandadan, that’s saying something.