Gzzk

Gzzk are fairly small, furry mammals native to Khar'shan. They are now common throughout batarian space due to their popularity as pets.

Physical Attributes

Adult Gzzk tend to range in size from 0.5m-1m depending on the breed. They're a four-legged mammalian species often described by humans as looking similar to a fox. Gzzk fur can range wildly in color, and they often have more exotic colorations than most Earth mammals, for example various shades of blue and green, due to their origins in the colorful jungles of Khar'shan. Most breeds have fluffy tails and large, expressive ears, but their most prominent feature, at least to non-batarians, is no doubt their four eyes.

Behavior

Gzzk are a domesticated species, but their wild counterparts tend to live in small family units. As pets, they are loyal and intelligent companions when raised well. Gzzk alternate between periods of high-energy playfulness and lethargic rest. This cycle carries little connection to planetary day-night cycles, and in the case of a household pet will often adapt to the presence and activity of other species perceived as part of the family unit.

The average lifespan of a healthy pet Gzzk is around 20 years, although some individuals have been known to live well into their 30s. Gzzk are capable climbers and burrowers, and have a tendency to seek out either high ground or low, enclosed spaces when threatened. They are capable of a number of vocalizations, including growling, purring, and a distinctive call most often transcribed as 'chau!' in the Latin alphabet.

Diet

Gzzk are omnivores. In the wild they tend to eat primarily invertebrates, small reptiles, eggs and fruit. They are ambush predators and foragers.

Cultural Significance

Gzzk have been a favored pet among batarians for millennia. They often appear in antique works of art and myths as symbols of wisdom and intellect - batarian beliefs hold that four eyes are a sign of intelligence. Beyond batarian isolationism, their four eyes have been a notable contributing factor to their lack of popularity as pets among other species, as many individuals from two-eyed species find their appearance unnerving or unrelatable.