Scientists Share Rare Footage of ‘Sharktopus’ — Octopus Riding a Shark Off New Zealand Coast
Researchers from the University of Auckland have captured an extraordinary encounter in the waters near Kawau Island, New Zealand: a rare sighting of a marine creature now dubbed the „sharktopus.” The footage shows a Maori octopus clinging to the back of a swift mako shark, the fastest shark species capable of reaching speeds up to 46 miles per hour.
The scientists were initially exploring shark feeding areas in the Hauraki Gulf when they observed a mako shark with an orange patch on its head. Using a drone and a GoPro camera submerged in the water, they recorded the unusual scene: a tentacled octopus perched atop the shark’s head, holding on tightly with its tentacles. This fascinating interaction is believed to be one of the first documented instances of an octopus riding on a shark.
According to Professor Rochelle Constantine of the University of Auckland, the encounter, which took place in December 2023, was one of the strangest the marine scientists had ever witnessed. She explained that octopuses typically dwell near the seabed, while short-fin mako sharks do not usually venture into deep waters, adding to the mystery of their interaction.
The researchers were monitoring for shark feeding frenzies when they noticed the octopus’s unusual position on the shark. Although they moved on after about ten minutes, the video suggests that both creatures appeared calm and undisturbed by each other. Given the mako’s impressive speed, the octopus likely had quite the ride.
This rare sighting has captivated the scientific community and the public alike, highlighting the fascinating and unpredictable nature of marine life. Further observations may provide insights into this curious behavior, sparking interest in the interactions between different marine species in their natural habitats.
