The University of Auckland scientists recently shared a rare video of an octopus riding on a mako shark off the coast of New Zealand.
In an extraordinary marine encounter, scientists from the University of Auckland captured a rare sighting of an octopus riding on the back of a mako shark off the coast of New Zealand. This unusual event, which has been dubbed a “sharktopus,” showcases the fascinating interactions that can occur in the ocean.
The video, recorded in December 2023, features a Maori octopus perched atop a shortfin mako shark, known for being the fastest shark species in the world, capable of swimming at speeds up to 46 miles per hour. According to the university, this sighting was one of the most peculiar experiences their marine scientists had ever witnessed. Typically, octopuses inhabit the seabed, while mako sharks prefer shallower waters, making this encounter particularly intriguing.
The researchers were initially conducting a study on shark feeding frenzies in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island when they spotted a mako shark with a distinctive orange patch on its head. To document the encounter, they deployed a drone and a GoPro camera into the water, leading to the unforgettable moment of the octopus clinging to the shark’s head with its tentacles.
Professor Rochelle Constantine, a marine scientist at the University of Auckland, described the scene in a recent article for the university. She noted that the researchers observed the unusual pairing for about ten minutes before moving on, leaving the fate of the “sharktopus” uncertain. However, she speculated that the octopus was likely in for quite an adventure, given the mako’s impressive speed.
Initially, Constantine expressed her surprise at the sighting, wondering if what she was seeing was a buoy or if the shark was entangled in fishing gear. “You can see it takes a fair amount of real estate on the shark’s head,” she remarked, emphasizing that neither animal appeared distressed by the encounter. “The shark seemed quite happy, and the octopus seemed quite happy. It was a very calm scene,” she added.
This remarkable footage not only highlights the wonders of marine life but also underscores the importance of ongoing research in understanding the behaviors and interactions of oceanic species. As scientists continue to explore the depths of the ocean, encounters like this one remind us of the mysteries that still exist beneath the waves.
According to Fox News, the sighting has sparked interest and curiosity about the behaviors of both octopuses and sharks in their natural habitats.