Researchers Record Video of an Octopus Surfing on a Shark in “Sharktopus” Encounter

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# “Sharktopus” Sighting: Maori Octopus Spotted Hitching a Ride on Mako Shark in New Zealand

In an astonishing encounter off the coast of Kawau Island, New Zealand, a research team from the University of Auckland recorded remarkable footage of an unexpected marine pairing: a Maori octopus gripping onto the head of a short-fin mako shark.

Dr. Rochelle Constantine, a marine ecologist on a University of Auckland vessel, was the first to notice a peculiar orange mass atop a shark slicing through the waves. Initially thinking it might be a wound, a fishing net, or perhaps a buoy, she soon discovered that the reality was even more intriguing.

With assistance from technician Wednesday David, who utilized a drone for an aerial perspective, and colleague Esther Stuck, who lowered a GoPro to capture underwater visuals, the team chronicled the extraordinary moment. The footage, subsequently shared by the University of Auckland, depicts a 10-foot-long mako shark swimming elegantly, its sleek dorsal fin cutting through the water, while a sizable Maori octopus rode on its head. The cephalopod’s radiant orange color and curled tentacles provided a striking contrast to the shark’s streamlined silver form.

“This ‘sharktopus’ was indeed a remarkable discovery,” stated Constantine in an article for the University of Auckland. “Octopuses typically rest on the seabed, while short-fin mako sharks prefer not to dive deep. It’s perplexing that these two species would meet at the same point in time.”

The Maori octopus (Octopus maorum) stands out as the largest octopus species in the Southern Hemisphere, capable of reaching lengths of up to 6.5 feet and weighing approximately 26 pounds. Conversely, short-fin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) are recognized as the fastest sharks globally, able to achieve speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour (around 31 mph).

Despite the odd pairing, both creatures appeared to be at ease. Considering the shark’s sensitive lateral line system—a feature that senses movements and vibrations in the water—it’s likely that the shark was aware of the octopus’s presence. Nevertheless, the shark seemed unfazed by its uninvited guest, and the octopus looked pleased to hold on.

“The shark appeared quite content, and the octopus seemed equally content,” Constantine shared with The New York Times.

The interaction lasted for approximately ten minutes before the research team continued on, but the lasting image of the “sharktopus” remains. Constantine reflected on the octopus’s prospects, humorously suggesting it might be in for “quite the adventure” riding the ocean’s fastest shark.

More than just an entertaining story, this encounter underscores the ongoing surprises that the ocean offers to scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. It also stresses the significance of marine conservation efforts, ensuring that future researchers can observe and document such astounding experiences.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a marine scientist,” Constantine mused, “is that you never know what you might encounter next in the ocean.”

By supporting marine conservation efforts, we can contribute to safeguarding these awe-inspiring encounters for future generations.

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### About the Animals:
– **Short-Fin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus):**
– Fastest shark species globally.
– Renowned for their remarkable speed and formidable build.
– Usually found in offshore temperate and tropical waters.

– **Maori Octopus (Octopus maorum):**
– Largest octopus species in the Southern Hemisphere.
– Identified by its coppery orange or reddish hue and considerable size.
– Mostly benthic, meaning they inhabit the ocean floor or areas near it.

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– [Ocean Census Announces the Discovery of Over 800 New Marine Species](https://mymodernmet.com/ocean-census-new-marine-species-discovery/)

### Sources:
– [University of Auckland: Sharks… even more amazing than you realised](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/03/11/sharks-.html)
– [The New York Times: This Octopus’s Other Car Is a Shark](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/science/octopus-riding-shark-new-zealand.html)

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*Photos:
– Wednesday Davis / University of Auckland
– Mark Con