NOTICE FROM THE FOUNDATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
The specifics of the creature's anatomy are hereby written from "SHORT NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE NAUTILUS VENARI VOCEM" taken from the research of the now deceased Dr. Edgar Fredericton, following an incident in his research with SCP-6040.
SHORT NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE NAUTILUS VENARI VOCEM
by Dr. Edgar Fredericton
presented by yours truly
I've done considerable research for the foundation, but I consider SCP-6040, known as the Nautilus venari vocem, my magnum opus. The species carries incredible genetic potential, and we have truly have much to learn from its unique biology. Without further due, please enrich yourself with the condensed form of my work on the N. venari vocem!
Etymology
Cognomen has been given by local residents according to regional folktales. SCP-6040 is thus known as cognomen Cat Warbler. Specifics of the etymology is rooted in the perception that SCP-6040's main prey consists of Felis catus, commonly known as house cats. This taxonomy is erroneous as research has proven that the species are opportunistic hunters that prey on various mammals, with specimens of Felis catus being a common prey as a result of coincidence because of the widespread and invasive nature of Felis catus in the world. More information is located in "Hunting and Feeding" section. Usage of the term Warbler seems to be related to the loosely defined quavering or "warbling" in the vocalizations of the species. See "Communication, Sleep and Social Behavior" section for elaboration on vocalization behaviors. After analysis of behavior, the name Nautilus venari vocem (N. venari vocem) is given to the species by Dr. Fredericton, given the hunting tactics of the species and in honor of the troubled history of the nomenclatures of specimens in the Nautilus genus.
Note from the Doctor
So I'm thinking to myself, why shouldn't I tell you readers more about the great mind behind all this research? If I can inspire any of you with my wisdom, I might as well share all of the real stuff behind my work. I'm just an ordinary man really, but who am I to judge? Ha! Ha!
Environment
Specimens of the species have been found across the world in various different climates. Species seems to occupy tropical, semiarid, mediterranean, humid continental, marine west coast, highlands, humid subtropical and humid continental weathers, with a clear preference for wooded areas. Species seem to avoid dry weather regions, such as desert, and extreme cold weather such tundra, subarctic or ice caps weather regions.
Skeletal Structure
Although SCP-6040 is most closely related to cephalopods, in regards to its general biology and brain functionality, the biggest divergence is that the species is not invertebrate. Dissections have shown an advanced skeletal structure composed of crystallized cartilage, with molecular resemblances to the cartilage of specimens of the Selachimorpha clade (commonly known as sharks). The resemblance ends on the molecular level as the bone structures are vastly different, shaped and organized to accommodate the unique hunting behavior of the species. More information is located in "Hunting and Feeding" section.
Inside the head of the N. venari vocem lies a thick cranium protecting its primary brain from blunt impacts. Six flat ended tentacled limbs are attached to the side of the head, symmetrical in distancing. The front and back tentacles are capable of moving on a frontal axis, to permit movement. The middle tentacles are capable of moving on a sagittal axis and are able to connect with each other. Attached by spheroid joints, the tentacles contain the structure of pseudo-spinal columns, with a series of extendable muscles permitting the limbs to contract and adjust in height as needed.
There is also unique spine mechanisms present in the specimens, as sections of spines are fused to bony nodules nested in the tissue of specimen with strands of collagen. When attacked, or feeling stress, the N. venari vocem can break the nodule connectors and force these various spines to protrude from their limbs or cranium, piercing their skin. The spines seem to be defensive as they do not serve in hunting of the prey of the N. venari vocem, potentially indicating an unknown predator of the species.
Note from the Doctor
Anyhow, these things have an amazing skeleton, they're like sharks had babies with squids and then God decided they were going to buy a bunch of spinal columns on sale? And whats that? They're gonna use them to rise up like my standing desk? Pffft! We rarely seen them pull out their spines too, although SCP-6040-4 sometimes does it out of habit. It's a real meanie to anything around. Maybe it's because it's so small?
Xeno-transplantation, Respiratory, Digestive and Immune System
The species has a highly specialized respiratory system, digestive and immune system. Composed of a series of smaller air sacks, their lungs are connected to the laryngeal area and pharynx without a trachea. As the species is not born with larynges, they have a set of extendable laryngeal jaws. A row of specialized needle like teeth is located inside of the jaw. Once N. venari vocem kill their prey, they rapidly eat their way to their larynges with their chitinous beak, and extend their laryngeal jaws to rip out their larynges. The newly acquired larynges will be integrated into the N. venari vocem’s bodies, their needle-like teeth providing blood and nerve endings to the new organs. An unknown protein compound named ████████ is generated in the specie's blood which seems directly responsible of successful integration of organs without a fatal immune response and necrosis of organs. Further research in the compound and the species's immune response might prove useful in developing heterologous transplants in human patients at XRC-Site-91. The remainder of the digestive system of the N. venari vocem is similar to Octopus vulgaris, or the common octopus, with the exception of an enlarged radula, capable of guiding food and blocking the connected segment of laryngeal area and pharynx area to avoid chocking on ingested items.
Note from the Doctor
Crazy things happened when we were studying the species, apparently they got a really large one that's been transferred to quote-unquote the cough facility cough 91 cough, not that I'm allowed there. They think it was eating horses and was moving on to bigger prey? We talk about them eating smaller mammals, but the only one I've studied that ate a horse was SCP-6040-1. Apparently, it was found in a barn after it got locked in by accident. It's the oldest one we got. Family thought they could see something outside their window whenever they were watching TV. Turns out SCP-6040-1 was the one doing the watching! Long story short, and lots of aggressive behavior later, but SCP-6040-1 gets an hour of color television per day if plays nice with other N. venari vocem!
Nervous System
The specie's nervous system is largely responsible of their classification as entities ressembling cephalopods. The N. venari vocem have multiple brains, with a main brain and several smaller brains, composed of nerve cells clusters, in each of the limbs. These "brains" or "clusters" are able to control the limbs independently, adjusting their height and position as needed. The nerve clusters appear to be communicate with each other as the N. venari vocem is able to perform several configurations rapidly within a short time. Effective configurations appear to be memorized when utilized frequently in their environment. Although the clusters seem to demonstrate long term memory for configurations, it is unknown if they are able to store complex information such memories.
Possessing two camera-type eyes similar to cephalopods, they occupy roughly 30% of the side of their cranium. These enormous eyes are externally mounted to the skin and are very sensitive to light and movement. They required a large amount of energy from the N. venari vocem, requiring roughly 15% of their caloric intake per day. The species have advanced statocys to maintain their balance and hear frequencies in the range of a 100 to 64,000Hz.
The species seems to have an intelligence correlation with the size of the specimen, with larger specimens generally showcasing more advanced behaviors then smaller ones. Working theories assume that this is due to a larger brain size compared to regular specimens. Is it theorized that the N. venari vocem is able to develop more advance hunting patterns when ingesting larger mammals, by growing in size to accommodate the larger larynx. Fringe theories suggest that the N. venari vocem grow after consuming hormones from more advanced or complex brains, but are only pure speculation because of the unethical actions required to pursue this line of research.
Note from the Doctor
I hear a lot from younger researchers that think the N. venari vocem can get smarter by eating brains. They're not zombies you juvenile idiots! I can't believe I had to include their stuff in my report. On a different note, I'm pretty sure those nerve clusters do a lot more then we think in the N. venari vocem. SCP-6040-5 was initially found with a gunshot wound from a backwards idiot that shot at it! It got permanent damage on part of its brain on the left side. It often accidentally drops its larynx when it moves around, so some part of the clusters must be compensating for the missing grey matter! Its kind of cute when it has a hard time walking…
Muscular and Vascular System
Most of the muscle mass of the N. venari vocem are composed of muscular hydrostats, structures composed of densely packed muscles. The unique extendable limb structures are possible due to low density and compressible fluid occupying the space between the segments of the pseudo-spinal columns. The muscles combined with the ball joints provide a large range of movement and complex configurations to allow the species to walk, climb and suspend itself in a variety of positions. The species possesses three hearts, one larger main heart for its primary vascular system and two smaller ones each for separate secondary vascular systems. The primary system is in charge of distributing oxygen from it lungs to its primary brain. The secondary systems on its left and right sides are in charge distributing secondary oxygen absorbed from its skin to its limbs, as well as maintaining the necessary pressure to compress the fluid in its limbs for extension and potential bursts of speed. Similar to cephalopods, the N. venari vocem utilizes haemocyanin for the transport of oxygen, giving its blood a blue color in an oxygenated state. The species utilizes a mostly closed circulatory system, as the species temporarily opens their circulatory system when assimilating larynges into their bodies.
Note from the Doctor
I really get excited when I look at the muscles of the N. venari vocem! Weird little dudes use them to get taller and stand over prey. You'd think they're trying to be spooky flamingos or something. I get creeped out sometimes when SCP-6040-1 just stands tall and stares at the cameras, I feel like it knows we're watching it. It goes to prove that we don't know much about why they do what they do! And it won't get more TV time by sulking in front of the cameras (it tried that for a while!) Ha! Ha!
Hunting and Feeding
Typical hunting behavior is not often observed in laboratory because of ethical concerns regarding feeding small mammals to members of the N. venari vocem. Pseudo-hunting behavior has been noticed in captive specimens of the species, although behavior has since been re-categorized as a form of playful behavior. Coincidental observations of the species in the wild have demonstrated general hunting behavior of the species:
- The species has a tendency to eat fresh prey in large quantities and does not eat for a period of approximately two weeks once it is full. Research has shown subjects entering a form of hibernation if unable to drink water for over 4 days. It can survive up to 40 days without food or water, but it will die if starved for longer.
- The species does not typically hunt cold blooded creatures or members of the Ornithurae clade (modern feathered birds). These are ignored unless the creature is starved and none of their typical prey are available.
- The species takes advantage of its darker skin coloring to mask themselves in the dark. Their hunting behavior is strictly nocturnal, although they are frequently active in the day.
- Typical behavior of species consists of specimens perching themselves into trees, or in elevated positions sheltered from view. They will stand motionless until a prey passes under them. If no cover is available, they stand above nests, dens, or small passageways with their limbs extended, awaiting for prey.
- The species use their two central legs as a battering ram to break the prey's neck, or choke them to death with continued pressure.
- Smaller specimens are often without larynges. They hunt for smaller prey until they are able to kill and assimilate their first larynges into their bodies.
- If they possess larynges assimilated from prey, they will parrot sounds heard from prey. These imitations are not perfect, with a warbling quality to them.
- The species do not inherently know how to imitate calls from prey. They can learn calls upon hearing them frequently and will incorporate them in their vocalizations upon practicing with compatible larynges.
- Utilizing vocalizations, the species imitates prey calls in hunting behavior. They typically attract a member of the species or a predator of the species.
- When the species captures larger prey, they have a tendency to eject their currently assimilated larynges by expelling them from their laryngeal jaw in favor of assimilating the larynges from their larger prey.
- Specimens assimilating new larynges have a period of adjustment in which they try to reproduce previous emulated calls. They may be incapable of emulating previous learned calls if new larynges are incompatible with the sounds that were emulated.
Note from the Doctor
The folks have "ethical concerns" about giving cats and dogs to the N. venari vocem. We should be giving the species proper prey if we want to study their natural behavior! They've been talking of trying to use robots and scents to imitate prey, but who are they kidding? We don't have the budget, they have to pay my salary after all!
Lifespan and Reproductive Behavior
Current lifespan is unknown. First recovered subject SCP-6040-1 was found on December 20th, 1951. Thus far, none of the subjects in captivity have died from old age. Members of the species can continue growing indefinitely if fed in excess, but most specimens do no eat more then needed unless they are fed live prey. Origin of the species is unknown and subject of debate. It is theorized that the species could have been around for longer then initial discovery of SCP-6040-1, but no fossilized proof has been recovered, as carcasses in the wild do not leave discernible traces upon digestion or decomposition. No reproductive behavior has been notes in the species, and specimens do not appear to be gendered or possess reproductive systems.
Note from the Doctor
It must have been one hell of a Christmas when they first found SCP-6040-1. I heard rumors that we keep finding bigger specimens like it, but we don't get them at six-four! I've been asking to transfer or at least get clearance for site nine-one research. Guess this shark is stuck with the little fish for a while longer! Gosh, I am brilliant! I guess the losers at nine-one need time to get sunglasses before they can handle a man like me!
Communication, Sleep and Social Behavior
The members of the N. venari vocem use vocalization outside of interactions with prey. Typical behavior hunting behavior during nighttime will be imitation of animal calls or cries of pain to attract further prey. They have been observed to occasionally practice vocalizations parroting sounds previously heard. They have been observed practicing vocalizations to scare animals away, with a playful type of behavior in regards to members of the Ornithurae clade, particularly songbirds. They are not mammalian, and although they possess larynges, these do not vocalize, instead use a syrynx organ to produce sound. Members of the N. venari vocem will occasionally attempt to imitate songbird vocalizations with little success, and try to approach them out of curiosity.
Note from the Doctor
I guess we're lucky the SCP-6040 don't have wings! SCP-6040-1 used to climb above the entry door of its enclosure! They had to smooth out the surfaces of the walls and add some reinforced windows so it could look out and stop trying to get a jump on the researchers! They're thinking of adding a wall mounted TV behind the window so it can watch it whenever it wants. A bad idea if you ask me!
Performing a form of rest during day time, occupying empty nests in trees or dens taken from prey, they will retract their limbs in an attempt to hide. They do not sleep for a set period of time, with the longest catalogued time seen sleeping being 84 minutes without activity, and the average time of sleeping sessions being estimated at 15 minutes. The species tends to sleep 8 to 12 hours per day, with sessions being spread out mostly through the day and rarely at night.
The N. venari vocem appear to be social in nature, as they display pseudo-hunting behavior (or playful behavior) even when they are not hunting for prey to feed. They have been observed to kill prey without feeding, and in the absence of other members of their species, have a tendency to displace cold blooded animals (such as fish or reptiles) using their limbs. Example of such behavior is using limbs to poke a fish or reptile, or attempting to move said animals in different positions. They have been observed to follow other animals out of curiosity (while keeping themselves hidden). This playful behavior may serve in learning vocalizations of prey as the N. venari vocem do not inherently know how to imitate the vocalizations of prey and have to learn specifics calls by observing behavior and hearing them repeatedly. Playful behavior has also been successfully reproduced using moving toys such as robotic imitations of animals.
Interactions between members of the N. venari vocem are unique as members with different larynges may not be able to produce the same sounds. Members have been known to reproduce sounds learned from other members of their species if they have compatible larynges. The species does not have language or coherent speech patterns, as every interaction between members is unique, and cannot necessarily be reproduced by other specimens. Specimens have also demonstrated a unique signaling behavior only performed with other members of the species, named "cartwheeling". Using their limbs, they perform a rapid rotation of their limbs to cartwheel on themselves, completing a full rotation towards the left, before cartwheeling to the right into their initial position. This behavior has also been performed by some specimens towards researchers that regularly interact with them. This has been theorized as a display of security towards them, or that the researchers are considered a N. venari vocem by the specimen.
Opposite to the cartwheel behavior is a signaling display of aggression, called "posing". The signaling member will plant its limbs straight and firmly into the ground, extending itself to its largest possible size, and if they possess larynges, use the loudest vocalization they have learned in an attempt to intimate. Specimens have been classified into 3 general behaviors:
- Social: Individual participates in group behavior with frequent exchange of vocalizations, following others specimens, and performing signaling "cartwheel" behavior.
- Loner: Individual rarely participates in group behavior, rarely vocalizes outside of hunting behavior and spends time alone. Rarely performs signaling "cartwheel" behavior.
- Aggressive: Individual disrupts group behavior with no predictable pattern, utilizing posing behavior towards individuals, and using its beak to harass or wound other individuals.
Note from the Doctor
I have to say its kind of sad that some of them like to be alone. I guess some would say they can relate but that's not me! Talking about being social, but SCP-6040-3 was actually raised by a family that kept it after it ate the corpse of their old dog! They were going to bury him in their backyard, but I guess they thought it was doggie Jesus when it barked like Old Sparky used to! Hilarious!!! They must have a hell of hard time in the early weeks and were pretty good at hiding it! That being said, SCP-6040-3 loves to play fetch with the researchers and is pretty popular with the other specimens!
Speculation on Origin
Specific evolutionary origin of species is under research as the genetic make-up of the species is carbon based, with protein chains that are digestible and absent of general toxicity. Attempts to place the species in an phylogenetic tree is subject of debate, as in-depth analysis of genetics demonstrate no terrestrian genetic ancestor. Two speculative theories have emerged in regards to their genetic ancestry:
- (I) The species originates from an alternate carbon-based dimension with an entirely different evolutionary speciation, adapted for unknown environments.
- (II) The species has been designed from carbon-based creatures by an intelligent creator, for reasons unknown.
Note from the Doctor
I finally get to be with the big boys! That's right, yours truly is being transferred to the mystery nine-of-one building. On my first tour of the job site some idiot security guard told me I wouldn't even last a day! WeLl gUeSs wHo hAs a PhD aNd wHo hAsN't Mr. GuArD??? Somebody call an ambulance, this guy got burneeed!!! Those idiots shouldn't even talk to me! I showed those naysayers who the biggest guy in the room was! Oh who you ask? That's right, me!