A strangely deformed whale has been seen off the coast of Spain.
Recently, the New York Post reported that a giant 17m long fin whale with severe spinal curvature was discovered swimming off the coast near the city of Valencia, Spain in early March and scientists were able to record this rare sight.
The whale, which weighs around 40 tonnes, has a body distorted into a V shape. Scientists at the Valencian Oceanogràfic Foundation, in a Facebook post, described the whale's condition as: 'Scoliosis of unknown origin has altered its natural shape'. Experts also warned that it is likely the animal will resurface in the next few days.
Experts believe the whale suffered from scoliosis. (Photo: Jam Press Vid/Oceanogràfic Valencia).
Regarding the condition of the whale, biologists said they had limited access. The organization said: 'Due to the size of the whale, its location at sea and its deformity, it was not possible to place a remote tracking device on it to collect more detailed data on its condition and biology.'
According to Science Alert magazine, scoliosis is rarely seen in whales and scientists often do not have the opportunity to observe this condition up close.
In 2019, researchers were able to study a minke whale with a curved spine found dead along the coast of the Netherlands, finding a possible link between scoliosis in whales and humans.
