Forget “sharknado” — this footage shows a new feat of nature.

A research team from the University of Auckland experienced an unexpected encounter when they observed an octopus hitching a ride on the back of a shark, playfully referred to as a “sharktopus.”

During an expedition off the Northern coast of New Zealand in the Hauraki Gulf in 2023, the researchers came across a shortfin mako shark with a peculiar orange attachment on its back.

Upon closer inspection, they realized it was a Maori octopus when they spotted its tentacles moving.

Marine scientist Rochelle Constantine shared her initial thoughts with the New York Times, saying, “At first, I was like: ‘Is it a buoy?’ Is it caught in fishing gear or did it sustain a significant injury?’”

The phenomenon was particularly remarkable because of the nature of both creatures. Octopuses usually are on the ocean floor, where shortfin mako sharks typically do not go.

“It makes no sense that these two animals should be at the same place and time to encounter each other,” Constantine said, adding that both marine animals seemed “quite happy.”

“We have no idea how they found each other.”

While the researchers only stayed to watch the aquatic animals for 10 minutes, Constantine mused that the octopus was in for the ride of its life.

“The octopus may have been in for quite the experience, though, since the world’s fastest shark species can reach 50 kilometers per hour,” she told Oceanographic.

But, according to the outlet, octopuses can travel at a maximum of 40 kilometers, or 25 miles, per hour.

“The ‘sharktopus’ encounter is a reminder of the wonders of the ocean,” Constantine continued.

“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.”