Curtismarauder

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: All colonies of SCP-XXXX are to be held in Biological Research Area-12. All drains in designated containment areas are to be fitted with filters of no less than 0.5 mm mesh. Filters are to be replaced biweekly or immediately after disposal of an SCP-XXXX colony and incinerated. A containment breach is to be treated as a potential SK-Class scenario, and appropriate measures are to be taken to ensure SCP-XXXX do not gain access to any large body of seawater.

Description: SCP-XXXX is the collective designation of a subspecies of Artemia salina, a species of brine shrimp commonly known as "Sea-Monkeys." This subspecies is characterized by drastic physiological mutations approaching anthropomorphism¹ and heightened intelligence.

The existence of SCP-XXXX came to the attention of the Foundation in 19██, when [DATA EXPUNGED]. Agent Philip ██████████ and Foundation Marine Biologist Dr. Nathanael Kurtis went undercover as "Sea World" employees. The two recovered all known instances of the anomalous shrimp, replaced the colony with standard Artemia salina purchased from the local "Farm & Fleet," and administered Class-B amnestics to the boy's parents. The child in question was told by Agent ██████████ that the recovery was a CIA operation, and asked to maintain secrecy.

An investigation was launched into the origin of the anomalous shrimp. Their existence appears to go back to the late 1950's, and as such many pertinent documents were unable to be recovered. The following are all contemporary documents believed to relate to the creation of SCP-XXXX:

To: Braunhut
From: D’Agostino
The selective breeding was a success, but I don’t think this is what we intended

To: Braunhut
From: Artist
These things that you sent me are weird. Regardless of the fact that they look like humans, they seem almost intelligent.

When eggs of SCP-XXXX are introduced to a body of saltwater of tolerable salinity, they will begin to hatch immediately. Upon maturation of resulting larvae, instances prove themselves to be quite intelligent. Within 24 hours of maturation, SCP-XXXX will begin to develop among themselves a rudimentary social structure. This structure will continue to evolve over time, influenced heavily by factors listed below.

Behavior and development of SCP-XXXX colonies can be influenced by a variety of environmental factors, most commonly:

Containment - Larger tanks will invariably result in larger populations and more complex social structures.
Water Salinity - SCP-XXXX can survive in waters of salinity 25% to 250% g/L, but any colonies living outside the optimal zone of 30-100% will remain in a "primitive" state.
Scarcity of Food - Maintenance and regulation of food resources will be treated as a high priority by the colony in cases where food is not readily available.
Delivery Method of Food - Hand-feeding, auto-feeder, live cyanobacteria, etc.
Decorative Elements - Aquarium plants, sunken ships, etc.
Available Resources - Aquatic plants high in cellulose, mineral deposits, etc. Given appropriate time and environmental conditions, SCP-XXXX will begin to develop technology based on whatever resources are made available to them.

[*scp-sandbox-3.wikidot.com/curtismarauder2 Behavioral Study XXXX-A], a comprehensive list of SCP-XXXX colonies.

[*Supplemental Document XXXX-B], records of cross-testing among SCP-XXXX colonies created during Behavioral Study XXXX-A, approved by Dr. Kurtis.

Footnotes

1. Their appearance is similar to that shown in promotional art from the early 1960's to late 70's.