Researchers in the Hauraki Gulf have captured a breathtaking video that has left marine enthusiasts stunned. The footage shows a shortfin mako shark, known for being the fastest-swimming shark in the world, with an unexpected passenger: a Maori octopus clinging to its head. This extraordinary sighting was made during a research trip in December 2023 by a team from the University of Auckland, led by marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine.
Initially, the team thought the shark might be entangled in fishing gear or injured due to the unusual orange mass on its head. However, upon closer inspection using a drone and a GoPro camera, they discovered that the mass was actually a large Maori octopus, the largest octopus species in the Southern Hemisphere. The octopus was firmly attached to the shark's head, with its tentacles occasionally straying out.
This encounter is particularly remarkable because Maori octopuses typically inhabit the seabed, while shortfin mako sharks are pelagic, spending most of their time in open ocean waters far from the sea floor. The researchers were unable to determine how these two creatures met or what the nature of their interaction was, as they only observed them for about ten minutes before moving on.
Professor Constantine noted that the octopus likely experienced a thrilling ride, given that shortfin mako sharks can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. Despite the unusual pairing, the scene appeared peaceful, with the octopus securely grasping the shark's back. Constantine emphasized the importance of continued conservation efforts to ensure such extraordinary moments can continue to occur in the ocean.
This "sharktopus" encounter highlights the vast mysteries still hidden in the ocean and underscores the need for further research and conservation. As Professor Constantine pointed out, one of the joys of being a marine scientist is the unpredictability of what might be discovered next in the sea.
