Pets

Alfa-177 Canines - commonly known as unicorn dogs - are canines from the planet of the same name. They are small and fur colored; all have a single horn in the center of their forehead, some have spikes or rigid spines down their back, and all have antennae. Alfa-177 is a largely inhospitable planet with extreme environments and energy fluctuations, which has caused the unicorn dogs to have undergone a vast array of genetic mutations. Transporting the creatures from their home planet is very dangerous - transporters can become infected with dust from the planets' surface and the unicorn dog can be split in two - so breeders have worked hard to take them off planet and make them more easily accessible pets.  

Arachnid pets have been grouped by their overall type, although each variant has many differences. Crystal Spinners are found in extreme environments; often on ice/snow planets, hence their coloration. The webs they spin are micro-crystalline lattices used to lacerate prey instead of trap them. Desert Leapers are found on dry and arid planets and cannot spin webs; instead, they rely on a powerful bite. Their large bodies stores water similar to an Earth camel. Talarian Hooks are often found living in dark and remote areas of ships and space stations. The metallic sheen of the yellow on their abdomen makes them highly sought after, although they react aggressively towards people entering their territory, so they can be difficult to obtain. Tholian Steamers are from very hot and caustic environments, and although not related to the Tholians, the similarity in cosmetics earned them the name. All variants of the spider have been altered by breeders to be tame: while in their natural environment they can pose a threat, they make perfectly safe pets.  

These arthropods are bred from Dewan Arthropods from the Vastam Peaks of Mol'Rihan and the sand scorpions of the Nimbus III desert. Their tails are powerful and can smash through rock or the shells of other creatures, although they make a safe pet as they would have no reason to do this unprovoked. They have strong pincers and will grab onto things if held out to them: items left lying about will be picked up by them. They have hard shells due to years of radiation on their original species planets, and original variants were capable of producing a venomous sting, although this has been bred out for safety.  

Attendants - also known as Drantzuli - are insect-like, germanium-based creatures. They appear similar to scuttling beetles, although their pincers are stronger than that of most common insects and they are far larger. They hatch from eggs made of a crystal-like structure, the shell of which is built with pure germanium. This species are caretakers of the Hur'q and tend to them when they are in hibernation, although they do also go through a hibernation cycle themselves. Breeders have taken the original concept and altered them so instead of being loyal to the Hur'q, they become loyal pets to their owners instead.  

Caracals are medium-sized pets native to Risa. They have a very even temperament and require little maintenance which makes them highly sought after pets for people serving on starships or stations. There are many natural colors of their coats, and breeders frequently work to create new appearances to appeal to people. This doesn't always go as planned, however - the somewhat unnerving Andorian variant has not been particularly popular, and pet owners have tended to go for more natural colors instead.  

Driclae pups are native to Mol'Rihan. They are docile animals and do not have any particular defensive capabilities, given that they do not have claws or any sort of armored exoskeleton. They have a very strong sense of smell which assists them in the wild as they can easily detect other animals. When kept as pets, this turns into them being very fastidious as they try to keep themselves and their surroundings clean and tidy: a natural adaptation of their traits in the wild, where other smells would make it more difficult for them to detect approaching predators. On Mol'Rihan they eat small parasites known to kill larger predators, so they enjoy this as a treat when kept as a pet. Different variants of Driclae can be found across Mol'Rihan, and their coats correspond to the areas they dwell. 

Elachi Skitterers were originally used as a form of autonomous shock troopers by the Elachi. When left behind after fights with the Elachi, Starfleet officers (naturally curious as always) worked to make their own variants. They have been stripped of weaponry and combat subroutines, and instead reprogrammed to be mechanical pets. They are extensively tested to ensure that no original programming remains, and now they are domesticated ‘pets’ which are becoming more popular and frequently produced.  

In a similar fashion to the Elachi Skitterers, EV Tholian Toys were also created by curious Starfleet officers. They are small machines designed to resemble Tholian EV suits. As they are mechanical, they do not require the 480 degree kelvin temperature that biological Tholians require, although they seem to function better when kept in a room that is at least warm. They are metal instead of crystalline, although their shiny exterior does look crystalline in the light. They can be programmed to perform basic tasks and assist in maintenance.  

Exocomps were originally developed in the mid 24th century for industrial use and made to be natural problem solvers, but this adaptivity resulted in their evolution. While some Exocomps are sentient and even serve throughout the Federation (and even in Starfleet), the ones kept as pets are not, and instead are models based on the original. These pets are often sought after by engineers as like the Tholian Toys, they can be programmed to assist with tasks and maintenance. Different mechanical attachments can be added to the front to help in a variety of tasks.  

Feather monkeys are native to the jungles of Risa and are typically found dwelling high in the trees. They are very agile and adept at climbing, so when kept as a pet, they enjoy being provided with climbing frames and equipment which enables them to explore. They are clever and easily domesticated, but can also be mischievous. They will investigate shelves and pick up objects (and, if unhappy, may throw them). They are also known for climbing onto the shoulders of people to sit there or hitch a ride. As they grow older, their plumage - as they have feathers instead of fur - becomes more pronounced and colorful.  

Horta are a silicone-based race found on the planet Janus VI. Their hardened exterior is resistant to phaser-fire and is used to help them tunnel through solid stone. They can secrete corrosive acid to assist with their tunnelling, and this can be used as a weapon when threatened. Hortas feed on the rocks and minerals of their natural habitats as they typically live underground. Dilithium and Elisium Crystal Hortas are rumored to have evolved from eating dilithium or elisium crystals respectively, and Polytrinic Acid variants secrete more acid than the usual Horta. These creatures are sentient so they are less a pet and more a companion; young hatchling Horta will often stick around humanoid beings to learn and experience adventures. In a few-thousand years, they will return to the Chamber of the Ages on Janus VI. 

Khellids are species native to a number of Romulan agricultural colonies including Virinat. On these colonies they are kept as they can produce a form of honeyed nectar which can be used in food products or distilled - Khellid nectar is even essential for some variants of Romulan ale. Khellid hives can be massive and some of the largest are known to house more than 200,000 insects, built inside caves or underground caverns. In a similar fashion to beekeepers, Khellid keepers wear protective gear when approaching an active hive. However, when bred and tamed to be kept as a pet, they are harmless and placid.  

Mellanoid Slime Worms are difficult to obtain; some are sentient and some are not, so there is a strict vetting process to ensure that only non-sentient variants end up as pets. They have evolved from aquatic sea life and appear to be almost indestructible. They are capable of ingesting random objects such as mechanical equipment or even photon grenades: in the event of the latter, they expand in size when it detonates before returning to normal. They are gelatinous and stretchy, making them interesting and unique pets. While sentient variants undergo a form of metamorphosis, pet variants do not.  

Mini Tanks are more toys than pets, although they have been programmed with traits which means that they will follow an owner, act with curiosity, and engage in games such as chasing after a ball. They can be loaded with different materials and will shoot them out: water balloons or snowballs are common, although some larger versions can even serve as tennis ball launchers.  

While Mugato can grow to be very large pets with horns on their heads and spines, variants kept as pets are far smaller and less dangerous. Pets also do not have the extreme strength or venomous bite of other Mugato. They are not hostile in any way and will hide at signs of trouble; something that surprises people who have purchased them expecting a large and intimidating guard-ape. 

While true tardigrades are microscopic beings, these tardigrades are far larger. They have a low-level sentience and have been bred as personal companions through something called the ‘Tardigrade Adoption Agency’. Some are known to vanish for extended periods of time and are rumored to time travel through the galaxy via innate abilities, although this has never been confirmed. When kept as pet and happy with their owner and living conditions, they stay around and become very loyal.  

Tribbles are very popular throughout the Federation as they produce an calming trilling sound which has a tranquilising effect on the nervous system of many humanoids. They have a very fast rate of reproduction and are known to constantly reproduce when fed - as a result, breeders neuter the ones that are going to be sold as pets. There are countless variants of tribbles which can be bred; while some are very plain, feeding them different foods can result in more interesting versions such as Gri and Yu. When exposed to different environments, more complex variants can be born. For example, the triolic tribble is a version which was exposed to triolic waves, and the Nukara and Solanae tribbles were found living on Nukara Prime and the Solanae Dyson Sphere respectively.  

Triconipus species - triconipi in the plural - were first observed and classified in the New Romulus system. They have been discovered on multiple worlds with Iconian Gateways. They are quirky, playful, and affectionate creatures who make interesting and exotic pets. They naturally float above the ground and will bob up and down using their three tentacles. When moving, their tentacles spin like the rotors of a helicopter. They are completely harmless and safe, and will flee if threatened.  

These tropical birds are native to Risa, and are known as one of the great wonders of the Alpha Quadrant. This is why keeping them as pets has become so sought after. All of the breeds have vibrant plumage which becomes more colorful as they grow. As adults, they grow the long tail-plumage which makes them so attractive to birdwatchers and pet owners alike. They prefer wide, open areas, so owners are encouraged to take them to the holodeck or environmental ring often so they can spread their wings.  

During explorations by Dyson Joint Command in the battle for the Solanae Dyson Sphere, a clutch of Raptor Hatchlings were discovered within one of the spires in the inner sphere. They were rescued from their hatchery and studied by Starfleet. While the Voth train the creatures for combat, they do not appear to be bred for such a purpose, and are very docile and loyal companions from birth. They are inquisitive, curious, and very intelligent, meaning that they are easily domesticated. However, they are still rare and difficult to obtain. 

Epohhs are native to Mol'Rihan and can be found across the planet. The fur color of most depend on the area of the Isha Forest they are found in - forest, mountain, river, or ruins - but Winter variants have been bred and are very popular amongst epohh fans. Most of their fur colors are frosty and winter themed, but some are very bright with snow-like spots on their back instead. These epohhs are very tame and friendly, and are often given as gifts to loved ones. They liked to be dressed up and paraded around, hence them often having bows or even earmuffs.