Scientists Document Octopus Perching Upon Shark's Spine in Remarkable Wild Encounter
In a surprising turn of events, the oceans have offered us a chuckle-worthy spectacle. Scientists in New Zealand have shared footage of an octopus hitching a ride on a shortfin mako shark, creating a scene reminiscent of an aquatic buddy comedy flick.
The exhilarating encounter took place during a December 2023 expedition in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island. Rochelle Constantine, a professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland, chronicled this unusual event in an article published last week. The team was investigating the creatures of the Gulf, focusing on sharks as part of an ongoing project. And that's when they stumbled upon this extraordinary duo.
"A large, metallic dorsal fin signaled a big shark—a short-fin mako. But wait, what was that bright orange patch on its head? We launched the drone and mounted a GoPro in the water, only to witness an image etched forever in our minds: an octopus perched on the shark's head, clinging on with its tentacles," Constantine wrote. Take a look at the video below to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary moment.
Octopuses are typically denizens of the deep sea, while shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) inhabit surface waters. So, one can only ponder over the mechanics of this poolside party. The researchers observed the pair for only ten minutes, leaving the post-ride adventure speculative. However, it might well have been a wild ride for the octopus, considering that mako sharks, the fastest of their kin, can travel as swiftly as 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour)[2].
The captivating saga, according to Constantine, underscores the wealth of secrets still waiting to be unearthed about the aquatic realm surrounding us. While sharks have always been the stuff of cinematic nightmares, they pose far less threat to humans than we do to them[4]. Last year, for instance, there were only 47 unprovoked shark attacks and seven total deaths documented worldwide[5].
"Being a marine scientist is like being a treasure hunter. Each exploration exposes us to astonishing wonders, and conservation efforts play a crucial role in ensuring these extraordinary moments continue to unfold," Constantine concluded.
- The shortfin mako shark, usually found in surface waters, and the octopus, typically a denizen of the deep sea, were recently captured on camera in an unexpected alliance.
- This unusual event was reported by a team of scientists based in Auckland, New Zealand, during a December 2023 expedition in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island.
- The researchers observed the pair for only ten minutes, leaving the motives of the octopus hitching a ride on the shark's head speculative.
- The incident, according to Professor Rochelle Constantine, underscores the untapped mysteries of the aquatic realm and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary encounters.
