Octopus rides shark in shocking New Zealand encounter
- In December 2023, a research team in New Zealand captured footage of an octopus riding a shortfin mako shark.
- The observation occurred in the Hauraki Gulf, a region facing significant ecological threats.
- This encounter underlines the importance of marine conservation efforts to ensure the survival of unique species.
In December 2023, marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine and her team from the University of Auckland were conducting research in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. They were surprised to capture rare footage of a Maori octopus clinging onto the head of a shortfin mako shark while surveying the ocean. This unusual sight sparked curiosity among scientists, as the two species typically inhabit different environments. Shortfin mako sharks, known for being the fastest fish in the ocean, usually hunt at high speeds near the surface, while octopuses are bottom dwellers. The encounter lasted about 10 minutes without causing distress to the shark. The Hauraki Gulf is recognized for its diverse ecosystems, which face threats from human activities and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial. Scientists are seeking to understand how the octopus found itself on the shark, speculating that it could have been using the shark as a refuge from predators or as a means of transportation. The unique interaction, referred to as the