What did you read about it? The reason I ask is I am Hawaiian and from childhood that word has been used to refer to a personal or family god, sort of like a guardian creature of nature. I don't know the word in English, but it is the spirit of that creature that watches over you and gives you wisdom.
Yes, exactly this meaning sounded special to me, when I heard about it on a documentary about wild life, sharks I think; logical, since usually sharks and turtles are connected to this name, as far as I know.
Actually all animals, especially, lizards, owls, and certain fish and crustaceans. It isn't limited to just one or two because all animals have powers that make them specially suited to survival.