In a remarkable encounter that has left marine scientists both intrigued and amused, a shortfin mako shark was seen cruising through the waters of the Hauraki Gulf with an unexpected hitchhiker: an orange-hued octopus. The unusual pairing was observed during a research trip in December 2023 off the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island.
The "sharktopus," as it has been dubbed, presented a rare and captivating sight. The shortfin mako shark, measuring an impressive 3 meters (10 feet) in length, swam gracefully while the octopus clung to its head with its tentacles. Researchers watched this extraordinary interaction for approximately 10 minutes, capturing a scene that added a dash of whimsy to their scientific expedition.
Shortfin mako sharks, known scientifically as Isurus oxyrinchus, are celebrated for their incredible speed and agility. Capable of reaching up to 46 mph (74 km/h), they hold the title as the fastest shark species in the world. These sharks are also renowned for their acrobatic prowess, being able to leap as high as 20 feet (6 m) out of the water. They can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) in length and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds (545 kilograms).
The presence of the octopus on the shark's back added an element of mystery to the encounter. Octopuses typically reside on the ocean floor, while shortfin makos are pelagic creatures that spend most of their time near the surface. This unexpected meeting of two unlikely companions left researchers pondering the circumstances that brought them together.
"We really don't know how this octopus, that lives on the seabed, came across this 3 m [meters, or 10 feet] mako shark that lives in pelagic — open ocean waters. It really is a mystery — but the ocean is filled with unexpected things," Constantine remarked.
The sighting of the "sharktopus" provided a moment of levity and wonder for the researchers who were fortunate enough to witness it. Despite the unusual nature of the encounter, the shark appeared unfazed by its passenger as it swam along leisurely.
"The shark may not be bothered by the octopus — it certainly didn't appear to be bothered as it swam along slowly," Constantine observed.
Such extraordinary moments are a testament to the unpredictable nature of marine life and highlight the importance of supporting conservation initiatives. By doing so, scientists hope to continue experiencing such unique phenomena in the future.
"One of the best things about being a marine scientist is that you never know what you might see next in the sea. By supporting conservation initiatives, we can help to ensure that such extraordinary moments keep happening," Constantine emphasized.
