Anurikahethes

Overview
Anurikahethes (pronounced: a-nur-ika-het-he-s) Are a water-based, humanoid species native to the planet Dagobah. Known well for their flipper-feet (see Flipperfeet), used for navigating the murky Dagobah waters, their gill-like ears (see Ears and Respiration), and colorful skin tones (see Pigment), Anurikahethes are a very unique species.

Hair
Anurikahethes have hair in vibrant shades, often matching their skin (see Pigment). The hair of Anurikahethes is almost identical to that of humans, except it doesn't grow after Anurikahethes reach the age of 10. In some ceremonies (see Culture), Anurikahethes will weave plants into their hair, making it seem longer. Hair length can vary from non at all to down to their flipperfeet. When Anurikahethes have body-length hair, it is often cut to be used in ceremonies. (See Culture). Horned Anurikahethes (see Horns) do not grow hair. However, they have various spikes growing out of their skulls, covered in skin. These spikes are often called skull-branches. They have no known purpose, but cause no harm.

Ears and Respiration
All Anurikahethes have gill-like ears, used for hearing and breathing underwater. However, they also have a set of lungs for “land” breathing.

Horns
A group of Anurikahethes volunteered to genetic testing. These Anurikahethes received horns after having their DNA adjusted. These genetically modified Anurikahethes went back to their tribes and mated with non-modified tribe mates. Because of the DNA changes, some Anurikahethes were born with horns. Horns became a part of Anurikahethes culture. (See Culture).

Flipperfeet
Flipperfeet are used for swimming in the Dagobah waters. They have sensitive cells that can detect changes in the water and keep an Anurikahethe safe. Flipperfeet are also used for land travel.

Pigment
Anurikahethes come in green, blue, and purple. Their eyes can be black, blue, green, yellow, red, or pink.

Culture
Anurikahethes culture is considered to be one of the most unique cultures in the galaxy, due to its complexity. Before the genetic testing, (see Horns), all Anurikahethes were strictly herbivores, eating the plant life of Dagobah. However, once they gained horns, they began to eat the fish living in the rivers and lakes. Horns were adapted to use for spearing fish, and occasionally the little mammals on the shore.

They also have many ceremonies for different occasions. The most well known ceremony is the Dagoramon, in which those with long hair have it trimmed to their waist. The hair is then fed to living fish. The fish are cooked and eaten, in hopes for a good year. This ceremony happens annually, with the exemption of when it is celebrated during a war.

The only other well-known tradition is the Presentation of the flipperfeet. In this ceremony, the chief Anurikahethes assesses swimming capability, assigning jobs to 10-year old Anurikahethes. Those who can swim well get the job of hunting, if they have a horn. Those who swim well but have no horn are assigned to gathering a special plant which grows underwater. Those who cannot swim well, horn or not, are assigned to the labor force, building homes, working in the palace, or becoming diplomats and representatives.

It is rumored that there is a tradition in which those with curled horns, a very rare appearance, are blessed and then sent to live in an underwater colony, filled with curly horned Anurikahethes. This is done because Anurikahethes believe that curled horns are a sign of misfortune.