Shark and Octopus Collaboration: Researchers Record Video of an Octopus Hitching a Ride on a Shark's Spine

Scientists Record Octopus Clinging to Shark's Spine in Remarkable Sighting

In the crystal-clear waters of the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island, New Zealand, scientists made a fascinating discovery during a December 2023 expedition. Led by Professor Rochelle Constantine from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland, the researchers documented a real-life "sharktopus" encounter.

The unexpected sighting involved an octopus hitching a ride on the head of a short-fin mako shark, a species identified as Isurus oxyrinchus. This encounter was far from the norm, as octopuses are typically deep-sea dwellers and are seldom found near the water's surface.

Professor Constantine, who emphasises the importance of studying and protecting marine life and their habitats, detailed the encounter in an article published by the University of Auckland last week. The pair was spotted during the study, with the octopus clinging to the shark's head with its tentacles.

Although mako sharks can travel as fast as 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour), potentially making for an exciting ride for the octopus, the researchers only tracked the animals for ten minutes, leaving the outcome of the encounter unknown.

This encounter serves as an example of the many unknowns that still exist in the aquatic world. The researchers also discovered a newly explored deep-sea octopus nursery during the expedition, making it the third such nursery ever discovered.

Contrary to cinematic portrayals, sharks are less dangerous to humans than humans are to them. Last year, there were only 47 unprovoked shark attacks and seven total deaths documented worldwide. Supporting conservation initiatives can help ensure that such extraordinary moments continue to happen in the sea.

It's worth noting that Professor Constantine and her team were studying the area as part of a project to monitor the animals of the Gulf. Their work underscores the importance of ongoing research and the protection of marine life and their habitats.

In light of this unusual encounter, one thing is certain: the sea continues to hold many mysteries waiting to be explored.