Octopus rides fastest shark species in rare marine encounter

In December 2023, researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand made an astonishing discovery off the coast of Kawau Island. While investigating shark feeding frenzies in the Hauraki Gulf, they spotted a mako shark, renowned for being the fastest shark species in the world, swimming with a Maori octopus perched on its head. This rare encounter, described by marine scientist Rochelle Constantine as one of the strangest she had ever witnessed, was captured on video using a drone and a GoPro camera placed in the water. The sighting was particularly noteworthy given the typical behavior of octopuses, which predominantly reside on the seabed, while short-fin mako sharks tend to favor shallower waters. These contrasting habitats make such an interaction between the two species exceptional. The video footage shows the octopus clinging to the shark with its tentacles, seemingly unfazed by the high-speed aquatic ride, as the mako shark can reach speeds of up to 46 mph. Professor Constantine expressed her surprise at initially thinking the creature on the shark’s head could be a buoy or entangled in fishing gear. After observing this unique maritime event for about ten minutes, the researchers decided to move on, leaving the fate of the 'sharktopus' uncertain. During the observation, both the shark and the octopus appeared calm and undisturbed, leading scientists to speculate that the octopus was in for quite an exhilarating experience while riding the world's fastest shark species. This unusual interaction has sparked interest within the marine biology community as it challenges established notions regarding the behavioral patterns of both species. The implications of this event could potentially lead to deeper investigations into the social interactions and environmental behaviour of marine life, shedding light on how these two ocean dwellers might coexist in their natural habitats.