ENF-074 - CRUSTACEAN

Item #: ENF-074
Object Class: Godiva

Containment Procedures: Beaches worldwide are to be monitored carefully for any signs of ENF-074 habitation. As soon as a viable specimen is discovered, an Artemis team should be dispatched to bring it into containment. For research purposes, a small breeding population of ENF-074 is to be kept in the aquariums on the Blue Level of Research Facility 1-B, and provided with the material they need to sustain their life cycle. However, under no circumstances should this colony be allowed to grow beyond the capacity of its tank.

Description: ENF-074 is a species of amphibious crustacean found on coastlines worldwide, although rarely above temperate latitudes. It is a peculiar shade of translucent blue, with bulging eyestalks, a fan-shaped tail and four small claws that are capable of remarkable feats of dexterity. It is an agile swimmer, and can be almost invisible in the water.

It is notable for its unique reproductive displays. Much like the Australian bowerbird, male specimens of ENF-074 collect a particular kind of object and weave them into a intricate structure in order to attract a mate. Instead of collecting blue things, however, ENF-074 collects bikini bottoms. It prefers to steal these from swimmers, but will target sunbathers if no better opportunity presents itself. Its can untie knots and will remove the average pair of bottoms in under fifteen seconds without its victim noticing a thing.

ENF-074 builds its hives, festooned with stolen swimsuits, on the sea floor. As a specimen steals more bikini bottoms, and achieves more reproductive success, it grows in size and intelligence. It may execute more daring raids, and even co-ordinate attacks with other specimens.

Addendum 074-001: Don't underestimate these things. We sent Officer Song in after a nest in Portugal. They took only the bottoms part of her wetsuit. Not the top, not the legs. Just cut away the material exactly where a bikini bottom would be. That was a long walk back to the hotel.