This birth defect is considered to be exceptionally rare.

This five-month-old boy in China has grown a tail.

Nuo Nuo, from Changsa in China, has from spina bifida, a developmental disorder which leaves a gap in the spine. In some cases this can lead to the spinal cord or other membranes to push through the back of the body.

A growth at the bottom part of the spine was noticed by the baby's mother just days after the baby was born. In just five months the growth has now increased to more than 5 cm long.

Spina bifida is one of the most common birth defects, with a worldwide incidence of about 1 in every 1000 births. However, such a growth is considered to be very rare.

Feature China / Barcroft Media

The hospital is now planning to remove the baby's tail.

Feature China / Barcroft Media