The Sea Mystery of the Octopus That Rides a Shark – YouTube
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The octopus was spotted in the company of an unusual sea companion: a fast shark.
Researchers have captured the moment an orange octopus holds onto the back of a shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) as it swims.
This “shark-mouth” was recorded in the Hauraki Gulf off the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island during a scientific expedition in December 2023.
“The large metallic grey dorsal fin indicated a large shortfin mako. But what was that orange spot on the head? A buoy? An injury?” Rochelle Constantine, a professor of marine biology at the University of Auckland who was involved in the research, wrote in a statement. “We launched a drone, lowered a GoPro into the water and witnessed something unforgettable: an octopus on the shark’s head, held on by its tentacles.”
The researchers were amazed by this unusual sight, as octopuses usually live on the ocean floor, while shortfin makos spend most of their time on the surface.
“We don't really know how this ocean-bottom octopus came into contact with this 3-meter [or 10-foot] mako shark that lives in the pelagic waters of the open ocean. It's a real mystery, but the ocean is full of unexpected discoveries,” Constantine told Live Science via email.
Top view of an octopus riding a shark.
Shortfin mako sharks are considered the fastest sharks on the planet, reaching top speeds of up to 46 mph (74 km/h). They can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) in length and weigh up to 1,200 pounds (545 kg). These sharks are known for their remarkable jumping ability, allowing them to leap up to 20 feet (6 m) out of the water. They typically hunt at the ocean's surface, but have also been observed at depths of up to 1,640 feet (500 m). Their diet primarily consists of other fast fish, such as swordfish and tuna, as well as squid and the occasional other shark.
The researchers observed the unusual “shark-foot” for 10 minutes before leaving their strange companions and continuing their journey.
“The shark didn't seem to be bothered by the octopus – it certainly didn't look bothered as it swam slowly,” Constantine said. “The octopus had all of its arms folded over the shark's head, perhaps to be less visible, but it could have stayed there as long as the shark swam slowly. I suspect the octopus would have moved if the shark had started swimming faster.”
Shortfin mako sharks are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, largely due to the high value of their fins in the shark fin market. They are also caught by accident in tuna and swordfish fishing, particularly when longlines are used. Their slow reproductive rate means they cannot reproduce quickly enough to withstand fishing pressure, leading to a decline in their numbers.
“One of the best parts of being an oceanographer is that you never know what you'll see next at sea. By supporting conservation initiatives, we can help ensure that these amazing moments continue to happen,” Constantine concluded in a statement.
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Sourse: www.livescience.com
