Exceptional discovery in New Zealand: a Mako shark takes a walk … an octopus on the head! An event that reveals the richness of the marine ecosystem.
A event as curious as scientifically relevant He shook the community of marine biologists of the University of Auckland. In December 2023, during a research on food frenzies in the Gulf of Hauraki, near the island of Kawau, in New Zealandthe university team came across an unusual show: one Mako shark shorts short (Isurus Oxyrinchus) with an octopus clinging to the head.
“We sighted a large metallic gray dorsal fin, typical of a Mako shark,” says Professor Rochelle Constantine. “But then, An orange detail on the head He intrigued us. Initially, we thought of a boa or a wound, but the drone and the GoPro revealed the truth: an octopus, tenaciously anchored».
A sighting that highlights the richness of this ecosystem
This “Sharktopus”as was nicknamed (from the intersection between Sharkshark, e octopusoctopus), lift questions. The sWhich Mako prefer deep waters, while octopus live mainly on the seabed. The research team observed the interaction for about 10 minutes, without being able to determine the final outcome. Let’s imagine that The octopus has experienced an intense experienceconsidering that the Mako is one of the fastest shark species, capable of reaching the 50 km/h.
The sighting underlines the wealth and the complexity ofecosystem Marino Del Golfo, a crucial area for different shark species. The research project “Pulse of the Gulf”coordinated by the University of Auckland, uses planes, boats And drones For monitor Sharks. The collected data reveal that the Gulf is an important area of nursery for the smooth hammer shark (Sphyrna zygaena) and a frequent habitat for the copper shark (Carcharhinus Brachyurus).
The meeting with the “Sharktopus” reminds us of the wonder of the oceans
“Hauraki’s Gulf has been recognized internationally as an important area for adult and young sharks, with the declaration of the ‘Firth of Thames and Inner Hauraki Gulf Important Shark and Ray Area’,” explains the University of Auckland.
The presence of ocean species such as the blue shark (Glauca Prionace) And The Mako sharktogether with the potential increase in tiger shark (Galeocedo Cuvier) due to the heating from the waterhighlights the need for continuous monitoring.
The populations of sharks I am vulnerable due to the fishing excessivefrom the growth slow and of the low rate reproductive. Protecting habitats, reducing pollution and minimizing accidental fishing are crucial. The meeting with the “Sharktopus” reminds us of the wonder of the oceans and the importance of supporting marine conservation.
