A remarkable footage has been captured of an octopus riding on top of a mako shark, known as the ‘Sharktopus’. The encounter was made by researchers from the University of Auckland while on a research vessel in the Hauraki Gulf near Kawau Island.
The footage shows the metallic grey dorsal fin of a large short-fin mako emerging with an orange patch on its head before an aerial drone captures the full picture, revealing an octopus perched atop the shark’s head, clinging on with its tentacles.
This unusual pairing is rare as octopuses are typically found on the seabed and short-fin mako sharks rarely visit these regions. The logistics behind their unlikely friendship remain a mystery.
The encounter highlights the importance of marine ecosystems and conservation efforts to protect species such as sharks, which are crucial to maintaining the health of these ecosystems. Shark populations have declined due to overfishing and habitat degradation, making conservation initiatives crucial to revive habitats and limit pollution.
Source: https://oceanographicmagazine.com/news/octopus-rides-shark-footage-of-sharktopus-stuns-scientists