The twins were found alive by fishermen on the Baja California peninsula but lived only a few hours

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Fishermen in Mexico have found rare conjoined grey whale calves that died shortly after being born.

Benito Bermudez, a marine biologist, says the whales were found alive in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon in the Baja California peninsula but lived only a few hours.

Bermudez said they were linked at the waist, with two full heads and tail fins.

Bermudez works with the National Natural Protected Areas Commission.

The whales were linked at the waist, with two full heads and tail fins. Photograph: AP

He said scientists were collecting samples of skin, muscle and baleen – the mammals' filter-feeder system – for research purposes.

Every year more than 20,000 grey whales swim to Mexico from Alaska to mate and give birth.