Chelon

The Chelons, also called Chelarians and Rigellians, were a sentient race resembling large saber-toothed turtles. They were native to Rigel III and were part of the United Colonies of Rigel

Biology
They descended from a race of saber-toothed turtles who evolved to walk upright. They averaged in height from about 1.75 meters to 2 meters.

They only had one gender and reproduced by laying eggs.

Though they lacked agility, they were a hardy race, and their shells gave them excellent protection. As they evolved in the Rigel-system, they were highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation, with a lesser resistance to other kinds of radiation. As an aquatic species that dwelled in swamps, Chelarians were skilled swimmers. They preferred the warm and humid weather of Rigel III and found most other worlds uncomfortable.

A Chelarian's fangs gave it a powerful biting weapon. Chelons, during times of stress or combat, emitted a deadly contact toxin through their skin, which could be transmitted via a claw strike.

Culture
Rigellians had attendants who served, fed, and cared for them. This gave the attendants the real power in Rigelian-society. When worn, armor served a mainly ceremonial function.

Despite their natural weapons, armor and size, Chelarians were actually relatively peaceful. Modern, civilized Chelarians had little skill with their bite attack. Instead, some trained to use it in combat.

The Chelarian homeworld was Rigel III, though many also lived on Rigel II. Here, they had a number of steadings in the swamps, where they grew more difficult crops than on the neighboring plantations. They worked as middle-men between the local Orions and Vulcanoid Rigelians.