Whale with twisted spine baffles experts off Spanish coast
An unusual whale has been spotted off the coast of Spain, fascinating scientists with its body shape. Initially, it was believed to be trapped; however, the situation is much more complex.
13 November 2024 11:32
A whale with a very unusual appearance was observed in one of the drone videos. It was diagnosed with spinal curvature, an extremely rare condition among these marine mammals. This deformity makes it challenging for the animal to function well in its natural environment.
Occasionally, whales with broken spines are seen due to collisions with ships. However, this time, a different case was observed—a fin whale, also known as a finback whale, with an exceptionally twisted spine. The causes of this phenomenon remain unknown.
The whale with a crooked spine
This enormous mammal, weighing 40,000 kilograms and measuring 16 metres, was spotted in early March 2023 near Cullera in Valencia, Spain. The captain of a nearby ship reported the unusual sight, mentioning that the large mammal might have become entangled in fishing nets. Veterinarians and marine biology specialists quickly arrived on the scene.
On-site, it was found that the whale was not ensnared in a net. However, its movement was concerning. Scientists determined this individual's condition is more complex than simply being trapped. It turns out the whale suffers from a spinal curvature of unknown origin.
Research indicates that an animal's altered posture leads to a different arrangement of internal organs compared to a healthy individual. Unlike humans, whales do not develop scoliosis. More often, spinal problems in these mammals are due to vessel collisions. However, this case is unique and less clearly understood.
After a few hours of observation and research, the whale returned to the ocean, continuing its journey. Due to its deformity and size, scientists could not attach a tracking device to it. Nonetheless, they are convinced that because of its swimming difficulties, the whale will likely return to the vicinity of Cullera in the future.
