World’s fastest shark spotted giving a ride to an octopus on its back

Octopus Catches a Ride on a Mako Shark in Rare Ocean Encounter (Image: University of Auckland/ YouTube)

A recent sighting in New Zealand showed that the sea is full of surprises. While on a research trip in December 2023, marine scientists observed an octopus attached to the head of a shortfin mako shark. The sighting was off the northern coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in the Hauraki Gulf.

The surprise moment was clarified by University of Auckland marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine. "Initially, we thought it was a buoy or possibly an injury," she said. "But when we took a closer look, we realized it was an octopus clinging to the head of the shark." To capture the special moment, the team quickly deployed a drone and submerged a GoPro camera.

Octopuses normally stick to the ocean bottom, though shortfin makos are known for their agility and speed. Scientists are both perplexed and amazed at how these two unlikely individuals wound up together.

The Odd Couple
One of the ocean's fastest predators is the shortfin mako shark. It can leap as high as 20 feet (6 m) above the water and achieve speeds of 46 mph (74 km/h). These 12-foot (3.7-meter) sharks primarily hunt fast-moving prey, including swordfish and tuna.

Although Mako Shark is strong, it seemed not to mind the octopus. The octopus held all of its tentacles close together as it moved slowly. Maybe it was trying to be unnoticed," Constantine said to LiveScience. Before they could go on with their mission, the researchers observed the duo for nearly ten minutes.

Problems with Conservation
While this sighting was extraordinary, it also brings attention to a growing problem. Due to overfishing and the shark fin industry, shortfin mako sharks are listed as endangered. The species' survival is further handicapped by the reality that most are accidentally caught in swordfish and tuna fisheries.

Such encounters bring to mind the ocean's boundless secrets. "You never know what you might see out on the water," Constantine said. "By conserving our oceans, we can safeguard that these amazing moments will be available for generations to come."