Somehow, a large orange octopus has been riding a mako shark off the coast of New Zealand. Researchers are mystified.

That was the case when a team from the University of Auckland in New Zealand noticed a 10-foot-long shortfin mako shark adorned with an unexpected passenger. “What was that orange patch on its head?

The mako shark landed on a Churchys Charters NZ fishing boat in the waters near Whitianga, New Zealand Kelli Bender is the Pets Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2013.

One shark tagged near New Zealand, where mako populations are robust ... “I threw a harpoon in it, then I hit it with a flying gaff, and then tied it down to a side cleat, and the thing is ...

That wasn’t the case for this octopus. In 2023, scientists spotted an eight-armed cephalopod riding on a 10-foot mako shark—and their video of the bizarre journey is now available to view.

Shortfin mako sharks are the fastest shark species in the world, reaching top speeds of up to 46 mph (74 km/h). They can grow as long as 12 feet (3.7 m) and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds (545 ...

A woman captured the shocking moment a group of beachgoers dragged a mako shark back to the water by its fins Michael Lee Simpson is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE. His work has previously ...

So in order to replace that energy they need to eat a lot of food. To ensure a meal, the Mako shark implements certain tactics when hunting. It will often attack and bite off the tail of its prey ...

In terms of today’s shark parallels, think less “mako” and more “lemon.” Megalodons may have resembled sleeker lemon sharks than great whites. Credit: Deposit Photos Rob de Vries The ...

Dubbed Mako Shark, the new yacht boasts a "fierce yet refined character." It belongs to Tansu's Tiger Shark Class and marks the first collaboration between the gifted Istanbul-based designer and ...