(Surgeon Crabs)

Item #: SCP-098 Object Class: Safe Special Containment Procedures: SCP-098 specimens are to be housed in a 10 m × 20 m enclosure containing shallow pools of water, sandy substrate, rocks, and driftwood arranged to provide shelter and nesting areas. The enclosure is to be cleaned weekly. Before maintenance begins, all specimens must be accounted for to prevent accidental escape. Any specimen displaying unusual behavior or signs of illness is to be isolated for examination. Description: SCP-098 is a previously unknown species of crustacean resembling a large crab. Instead of claws, its front limbs end in hardened, blade-like structures composed partly of silica, giving them an exceptionally sharp edge. Adult specimens reach approximately 48 cm in height and up to 68 cm across the carapace. SCP-098 prefers environments with hiding places and shallow water. It is capable of surviving both in water and on land. The species can also produce a variety of vocal sounds using a specialized respiratory structure. SCP-098 displays coordinated group behavior when searching for food. Individuals often surround potential prey while imitating nearby sounds to distract or confuse it. They work together with a high degree of coordination and demonstrate advanced hunting instincts. Specimens communicate with one another through vocalizations, allowing them to alert nearby members to food sources or possible threats. Although SCP-098 can imitate human speech and other sounds, current research suggests this is mimicry rather than evidence of human-level intelligence. SCP-098 generally avoids adult humans and prefers smaller animals as food. However, larger groups have demonstrated increased confidence when competing for limited resources. SCP-098 was discovered in ██████, Brazil, following reports of unusual wildlife activity in the surrounding area.