Cherry_Wine

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures:

Mobile Task Force Gamma-6 is to conduct regular patrols and reconnaissance throughout the Arctic Ocean for instances of SCP-XXXX and SCP-XXXX-1. A variety of deep-sea drones and submersibles have been made available for this purpose, with reserve equipment to be stored at Foundation facilities in Iceland, Russia, Greenland, and Canada. Mobile Task Force Gamma-7 has been established as a complimentary supporting unit, tasked solely with monitoring local communities and media for information pertaining to SCP-XXXX and removing said information as necessary.

When found, instances of SCP-XXXX are to be tagged with a GPS device via drone, and tracked until such time as retrieval is deemed plausible. If retrieval is successful, the instance is to be stored within a standard aquatic containment pool at Area-73 (Avannaata, Greenland). Retrieval of the instance should only be attempted if the instance comes within Fifty (50) metres of the Ocean surface.

Any instances of SCP-XXXX-1 found are to be collected and stored within standard containers at Area-73 for study. Researchers of level 2 clearance or higher may access SCP-XXXX-1 freely for research purposes. All instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be treated as a biohazard threat and quarantined or disposed of in accordance with standard biohazard material guidelines. See Addendum for further information.

Description:

SCP-XXXX is a species of large, carnivorous fish found within the Arctic Ocean. Their lower body is visually reminiscent of a typical shark tail and possesses three fins; a caudal fin, a dorsal fin, and an anal fin. From the torso up however, SCP-XXXX more closely resemble a human: most notably for having two arms, a neck, and distinct facial features. Some instances have been recorded to posses head and facial hair. SCP-XXXX are very similar in structure to depictions of traditional mermaids, but their features tend to be disproportionate and uncanny. The skin is thick and grey, often being quite uneven and rough. The mouth is almost perpetually kept open to allow water to reach the gills. They move in a manner similar to most fish, and leave their arms flat by their side as they swim. SCP-XXXX are typically very slow, with an average speed of 0.5m/s. However, they can reach speeds of up to Twenty (20) Km/h in short bursts. They're typically found within depths between one-thousand-six-hundred (1600) metres and three-thousand (3000) metres.

SCP-XXXX have displayed limited signs of intelligence, and often tend to show curiosity towards the reconnaissance drones sent to observe them. Attempts to gauge accurate more measures of their intelligence have proven inconclusive due to the rarity of specimens.

All attempts to recover live specimens to date have been met with failure, as SCP-XXXX are very sensitive to changes in water pressure. Instances have been observed spending anywhere from 7-24 days rising or descending through the ocean, gradually easing themselves into different pressure zones. Their sensitivity to pressure changes has been hypothesised as a reason for their naturally slow movement.

SCP-XXXX typically use their arms to help grip onto prey when eating. Their slow movement often allows them to drift close to unassuming fish before attacking. Arm muscle mass seems to vary from specimen to specimen, with some having grip and arm strength above that of an average adult human, and others having arms so weak that they prefer to not utilise them at all.

Instances of SCP-XXXX have rarely been observed near the surface of the ocean, preying upon seals. In a few instances, SCP-XXXX have been observed using their arms to climb aboard boats in order to scavenge caught fish, or attack fishermen in extreme cases.

Addendum: [Optional additional paragraphs]