A rare sighting off the coast of New Zealand has captured scientists’ attention – an octopus riding on top of a mako shark. The “sharktopus” encounter was recorded using a drone and GoPro camera, showing the Maori octopus clinging to the shark’s head with its tentacles.
University of Auckland researchers were investigating shark feeding frenzies in the Hauraki Gulf when they stumbled upon the unusual scene. The mako shark had an “orange patch” on its head, and the researchers were initially unsure what it was, with one scientist joking about a buoy or entangled fishing gear.
However, as they observed the scene, they realized the octopus was simply enjoying a ride, taking up significant space on the shark’s head. Neither animal seemed bothered by the encounter, with the shark appearing happy and calm, while the octopus seemed content.
The researchers continued for 10 minutes before moving on, unsure what happened to the “sharktopus” after that. Nonetheless, the unusual sighting offers a glimpse into the rare interactions between these two marine animals.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/science/rare-sharktopus-octopus-riding-shark-sighting-caught-camera-shared-new-zealand-scientists