On December 2023, marine ecologist Rochelle Constantine and her team observed a mako shark in the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand with an unusual orange-brown mass on its head. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that an octopus was riding the shark, leading them to nickname the phenomenon “sharktopus.”
- Rochelle Constantine spotted a mako shark.
- Concern over an unusual mass on the shark.
- Drone used for closer observation.
- An octopus was riding the shark.
- Identified as a Maori octopus species.
- Encounter recorded during December 2023 expedition.
The encounter took place during a field expedition aimed at studying marine life and birds. Rochelle Constantine, a marine ecologist from the University of Auckland, initially thought the mass on the shark’s head could be a buoy or fishing gear. The team used a drone and underwater camera to capture footage, confirming their observation of the octopus.
The Maori octopus, known for its significant size, can reach lengths of up to 6.5 feet and weigh around 26 pounds. This species is the largest octopus found in the Southern Hemisphere. The octopus’s presence on the shark highlighted its adaptability and unusual behavior, as it occupied a considerable amount of space on the shark’s head.
Dr. Constantine remarked on the encounter, stating that it took up a “fair amount of real estate” on the shark. Such interactions between species are rare and provide valuable insights into marine ecosystems. The footage captured during this expedition may contribute to further research on the behaviors of both the mako shark and the Maori octopus.
This unusual observation of an octopus riding a mako shark underscores the complexity of marine life interactions. The findings from this encounter could enhance understanding of predator-prey relationships and the behaviors of marine species in New Zealand’s waters.
