WHAT ARE TYPE D KILLER WHALES?
These majestic creatures - which were only identified in 1955 - have only been spotted a handful of times in the past 70 years.
When they were first discovered after a mass stranding in New Zealand in the 1950s they were thought to be a mutated type of the worldwide orca species.
They are so distinct from other orcas some experts believe they should even qualify as their own species.
Compared to normal dolphins, these orcas have more bulbous heads and sharper dorstal fins.
These majestic creatures - which were only identified in 1955 - have only been spotted a handful of times in the past 70 years
The patches over their eyes are smaller than on other species - A, B and C - which are all known to dwell in Antarctic waters.
They are especially distinctive due to their small eye patches.
They have been seen eating Patagonian toothfish but it is unknown if they exclusively eat fish.
Experts believe that if they are a new species they could be the largest undescribed animal left on the planet.
Read articles that feature this panel
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Pods of youngsters have been spotted attacking boats off the coast of France, Portugal, and Spain - and scientists have no idea why.
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