The ocean is full of surprises. Even scientists who have spent years studying marine life still come across moments that leave them in awe.
In December 2023, a group of Kiwi researchers set out on a scientific expedition.
They were sailing through Haruaki Gulf, near Great Barrier Island, when they spotted something unusual.
A large, metallic-gray dorsal fin broke the surface. They immediately recognized it as belonging to a mako shark, one of the fastest predators in the ocean.
But something else caught their attention. There was a bright orange spot on the shark’s head.
At first, they thought it might be a buoy or an injury. But as they got closer, they realized it was something far more incredible, writes Videnskab.
The team launched a drone and placed a GoPro in the water to get a better look. What they saw was astonishing.
A squid had latched itself onto the shark’s head, its tentacles gripping tightly onto the sleek skin of the predator. Watch the video yourself at the end of this article.
A squid and a mako shark are not a common pair. Squids typically live near the ocean floor, while mako sharks prefer the open water.
It was unclear how the squid ended up in this situation, but it had certainly chosen a risky ride.
Mako sharks are the fastest sharks in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
They are also known for their impressive jumps, sometimes leaping as high as six meters out of the water.
For a soft-bodied creature like a squid, this was hardly an ideal means of transport.
The researchers observed the unusual duo for about ten minutes before leaving them to their journey.
The encounter left a lasting impression. Professor Rochelle Constantine from the University of Auckland reflected on the moment, calling it a reminder of the wonders of the ocean.
She emphasized that marine biology is full of surprises, and there is always something new to discover.
She also noted that supporting conservation efforts is key to ensuring these incredible moments continue to happen in the future.
