But researchers aren't sure whether the octopus intended to ride on a shark's head. The shortfin mako is a large shark with big black button eyes and is extremely fast. Photo: Shutterstock Like ...

The octopus in question was no lightweight. It was a Māori octopus, the largest octopus species in the Southern Hemisphere.

During an expedition in December 2023, a team from the University of Auckland filmed an orange octopus clinging to a shortfin mako shark. This shark species, known for its speed, usually swims near ...

Researchers captured a video showing the orange-hued octopus clinging to the back of a large shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) as it swims. This "sharktopus" was spotted in the Hauraki Gulf ...

Sometimes we all need a little help. And it can come from unlikely places. Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in ...

The sighting off the coast of Kawau Island in New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf saw a Maori octopus hitch a ride on a shortfin mako shark, clinging to the predator's head like a jockey. Drone footage of the ...

According to The New York Times, marine ecologist Rochelle Constantine and her colleagues were on a research trip along the northern coast of New Zealand when they noticed a shortfin mako shark in ...