About

SCP-098 Containment: Specimens of SCP-098 are to be kept in a 10m x 20m room with small pools of water and a substrate of sand. Description: SCP-098 is a previously unknown species of crustacean. While they resemble common crabs, their primary difference lies in their pincers, which are shaped like extremely sharp blades containing silica. Each specimen grows significantly larger than typical terrestrial arthropods, reaching up to 40cm in height and 60cm in width. SCP-098 prefers shallow pools with places to hide. They are capable of breathing both underwater and on land, and can vocalize using a primitive lung-like structure similar to a larynx. SCP-098 hunts in packs to secure food. Upon detecting prey, they first surround it and mimic the creature's vocalizations to confuse or lure it. Then, while one specimen approaches to draw the prey's attention, the others quickly move behind the prey and slice the tendons of its limbs with their scalpel-like pincers. After inflicting a wound, they spit a viscous liquid onto it that hardens rapidly to prevent further blood loss or infection. Throughout this process, they do not stop mimicking vocalizations to keep the prey disoriented. This cycle of cutting tendons and cauterizing continues until the victim is completely immobilized. They then begin their meal by slicing the prey into very thin strips, piece by piece, starting with soft tissues like the face or extremities before moving to other areas. The SCP-098 pack continues eating as long as the prey remains alive; depending on the size of the prey and the number of SCP-098 specimens, the meal can last for several hours or even days. SCP-098 specimens have been observed communicating with each other when threatened or when detecting nearby prey. While initially suspected to possess human-level intelligence, it appears their mimicry is closer to that of a parrot repeating human speech. SCP-098 poses only a slight danger to adult humans and generally prefers smaller prey like dogs, cats, or small pigs. However, if the pack is large enough to handle the size of the prey or if no other food sources are available, they do not hesitate to attack larger targets.