Researchers Capture Bizarre Video of Sharktopus, an Octopus Riding a Mako Shark

Researchers from the University of Auckland have captured a video of a real-life Sharktopus, or more specifically, an orange-hued octopus riding on the back of a large shortfin mako shark as it swam. How these two unlikely companions crossed paths remains a mystery. The team observed them for about ten minutes before leaving them to their journey, so we don’t know how their story ended—whether it was a brief hitchhiking stint or something more.

They were spotted in the Hauraki Gulf off the northern coast of New Zealand’s North Island during a December 2023 research trip. One theory is that the octopus latched on for a speedy ride, possibly an attempt to escape a threat. Makos are known to leap out of the water, sometimes to shake off parasites or hitchhikers like suckerfish, so it’s possible the shark wasn’t thrilled about its new rider.

The sharktopus encounter is a reminder of the wonders of the ocean. One of the best things about being a marine scientist is that you never know what you might see next in the sea. By supporting conservation initiatives, we can help to ensure that such extraordinary moments keep happening,” said the University of Auckland.

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