Marine scientists from New Zealand have recorded one of the most astonishing underwater interactions involving a shortfin mako shark. Known as Isurus oxyrinchus, the giant creature was seen offering an octopus a ride. The unusual incident occurred during a December 2023 expedition in the Hauraki Gulf off Kawau Island, leaving researchers in awe and bewilderment. The viral footage is now taking the internet by storm, presenting different theories as that why a deep sea creature like an octopus would ride a predator shark.
This observation was especially rare since octopuses tend to shun open-water encounters with high-speed predators. In contrast to benthic cephalopods that prefer to remain near the ocean floor, this octopus ended up on the dorsal surface of the ocean’s speediest shark. It can swim at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Octopus Seen Rising a Shark – What Can Be Possible Reasons?
There are several theories to this bizarre act. One theory is that the octopus was employing the mako shark as an evacuation ploy—maybe it was trying to escape another predator and grabbed onto the first big object it came across. Another is that it might have been a defensive tactic, where the octopus hung onto the shark in hopes of becoming less conspicuous to would-be threats.
No matter the explanation, the incident demonstrates how much we don’t understand about marine ecosystems. The shark-riding octopus moment was over for about ten minutes before the researchers lost sight of the pair. Whether the octopus rode out the ride of a lifetime or let go at some point is unknown.
Marine biologists continue to research these unique glimpses from the sea to unravel the intricacies of predator-prey dynamics.
Experts Call to Save Marine Life
The octopus on a shark ride encounter is not only a funny story—it’s a reminder of the ocean’s biodiversity and unpredictability. Professor Constantine stressed the need for current marine research and conservation efforts.
“Perhaps one of the best things about being a marine scientist is that you never know what you’re going to see next in the sea. By supporting conservation efforts, we can help to make sure that such amazing moments continue to occur,” she said.
Mako sharks, even with their velocity and hunting capabilities, are heavily threatened by human actions including overfishing and habitat loss. Sharks have been misrepresented as fearsome killers, but actually, they are a much greater victim of human actions than they pose a threat to humans. There were merely 47 unprovoked attacks on sharks across the globe in 2023 and seven deaths—figures dwarfed by the impact of commercial fishing on shark populations.
This bizarre footage acts as a stark reminder of how vital ocean conservation is. If we expect future generations to be treated to similar amazing views like an octopus riding a shark, we have to act to preserve marine environments. We shall also ensure that such incredible animals are able to survive.
[via PetaPixel; Image credits: YouTube screenshot, Wednesday Davis via University of Auckland]
