Zaranites are a species of mammalian humanoids native to the planet Zaran II, the second planet of the Byrdica system. Most people believe they are fluorine breathers, requiring them to wear gas masks and protective suits in Earth-like environments. (TOS - Mere Anarchy eBook: The Darkness Drops Again) In fact, they mainly breathe oxygen, but (like Benzites) inhale fluorine-rich microorganisms, which they need as other humanoids need base minerals in their diets. (TOS novel: Ex Machina)

Zaranite individuals have two hearts, one of which can stop from time to time. In this near-death state they meditate on choices made in life. (TOS comic strip: The Real McCoy)

Zaranites have special necklaces symbolizing their social states and family relation. (TMP costume descriptions)

The Zaranite homeworld is out of the way from usual Federation traffic lines. The nearby Marie Celeste sector is known for unexpected disappearances, possibly due to pirates.

Zaranites are a hunting species. Their civilization is based on elaborate hunting practices. In Zaran's harsh environment, there is no native industry or agriculture, only the hunt of predators, led by females, though Zaranites may also hunt their females. The females are known to have psionic powers for hunting, healing and mating, which enable them to attract males by arousing hormones in both sexes. The arousal of hormones means that a life-bond is formed between a couple. A bonded female is capable of making a joined mass-mind between members of a hunting group, and special hunting parties can form a greater mass-mind called "oneness", equivalent to a nation.

Zaranites were first encountered by humans in the 2070s, and soon came under control of a group known as the Totality, human fugitives from Earth's World War III, who used superior technology, eugenics and mental weapons to control them. The Zaranites used a special oneness-mind to fight back against the human oppression. (TOS novel: Triangle)

The race called Zaranites from other sources may not be identical to the Zarans depicted in Triangle.

The Federation made diplomatic first contact with this race in 2257. As a Federation member, they had a delegation present during Earth's "Whalesong crisis". (FASA RPG module: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Sourcebook Update)

The Freelans from the TOS novel: Sarek could be Zaranites from the movies.

By the 24th century, Zaranite weapons research was a valuable asset to Starfleet. However, petitions for an all-Zaranite starship crew were denied due to their belligerent tendencies. (FASA RPG module: Star Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual)

IndividualsEdit

• Z'Ehlah

External linkEdit

• Zaranite article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.