Shark researchers at Australia’s University of Auckland were surprised recently to see an orange octopus perched atop a mako shark. They sent up their drone and captured a delightful if mystifying video.
‘Sharktopus’
The research vessel was near the northern coast of New Zealand, studying shark feeding, when they spotted a large short-fin mako shark just underwater.
The patch of orange on top of its head confused them. Marine scientist Rochelle Constantine initially thought they were seeing a shark entangled in fishing gear. They sent up a drone to look closer, and that’s when they realized the orange blob was a living animal.
The vessel followed the shark for 10 minutes, recording the unusual pairing. Photo: University of Auckland.
The Maori octopus is one of the biggest octopuses in the southern hemisphere and can weigh 12 kilograms fully grown. Known for being rather ill-tempered and aggressive, they usually live on the seabed. Mako sharks, meanwhile, prefer shallower waters. The two species shouldn’t even have met, yet alone interacted in this peculiar way.
The “sharktopus,” as the amused researchers dubbed it, is a previously unrecorded phenomenon. Octopuses are famously intelligent, enough to work cooperatively with other species, and may act as strict leaders of mixed fish-octopus hunting parties. But researchers aren’t sure whether the octopus intended to ride on a shark’s head.
The shortfin mako is a large shark with big black button eyes and is extremely fast. Photo: Shutterstock
World’s fastest shark
Like many octopus species, the formidable Maori octopus has a paralyzing neurotoxin that it uses to hunt. It can grow up to a meter long and may go after larger animals than itself, grasping with its strong, thick arms.
The Maori octopus has complex hunting strategies and social behavior. Photo: Justin Chans/iNaturalist
Not mako shark large, though. Also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark, the shortfin mako can be up to four meters long and 570 kilograms. They are also the world’s fastest shark, hitting speeds of up to 50kph. The Maori octopus would have to make full use of its strong arms to hold on for dear life.
The Gulf where they recorded the sharktopus is considered an important shark conservation area. It is the home and breeding ground of many shark species, including the endangered shortfin mako. For Constantine, the encounter is a reminder of the mystery and wonder of the ocean.
