Vratix The Vratix , also known as Thyferrans , were native to the planet of Thyferra . They were a hermaphroditic species who invented bacta . They were led by a Canir , their elected ruler . Biology and appearance . Vratix were an insectoid species with large compound eyes , long thin necks , and six limbs sprouting from a cylindrical thorax . The pair closest to their heads , extending from their ' shoulders ' , were triple - jointed with tridactyl hands , and served as ' arms ' , but they also sported a hook - claw near the second articulation to assist in climbing . The second , middle pair , sprouting from above the abdomen , were massive , strong ' legs ' , allowing a Vratix to perform impressive leaps . The last pair , situated at the end of the abdomen , were vestigial , as they served only to prevent the abdomen dragging on the ground ( Wedge Antilles once compared the third pair of legs of Qlaern Hirf to his X - Wing ' s landing gear . ) . Small thin hairs covered their bodies and changed color to express emotion . Vratix excreted " denin " , a chemical that altered the color of their skin to reflect their mood , and was connected to their speech patterns of clicks also known as Vratix . Despite this , they could communicate with other beings via Basic when regarding trade . They were also slightly telepathic , capable of sending thoughts with other Vratix that they related to . Vratix were a logical and straightforward species that had trouble grasping abstract concepts like art and music . However , they could solve a complex problem by examining every detail and angle . Culture was centered around the hive mentality . They generally referred to themselves as the plural " we " rather than " I " , and usually under their hive name . It should also be noted that the Vratix are generally a sociable species ; they prefer all information to be delivered personally . The Vratix also kept Knytix , a smaller insectoid species , as pets and for the creation of dwellings ( their saliva is used to make a mud - like paste that is then dried to make bricks ) . The Vratix also eat the Knytix on certain occasions , when the owner of the Knytix offers his pet to another Vratix as a sign of high respect . History . Vratix used bacta for thousands of years , and were not hesitant to share their secret with the galaxy at large . During the Galactic Republic a thriving business evolved around the sale and distribution of bacta . They tolerated the relationship with the off - worlders who wished to exploit bacta , and preferred to work the kavam fields from their villages . Feeling that they lost control of their destiny , the Vratix resistance group , the Ashern ( " Black Claw " , in the native language ) was formed which in 32 BBY helped orchestrate a coup ; revealing that Xucphra Corporation had sabotaged the supply to drive up prices of the Stark Hyperspace War , gave the Vratix governmental control and ushered freewheeling trade . A famous Vratix was Yopaxtul , who won the " six - legged being " category at the event held on Teyr in 22 BBY . It won the 100 - meter race in a record breaking 6 . 132 seconds . In the Clone Wars , Xucphra and Zaltin again seized control of Thyferra and during the New Order , Palpatine eliminated all but those two bacta producers . These two cartels would be the Galactic Empire ' s bacta supply . During this time some Vratix resorted to terrorism to beat out competition in the bacta market . With the help of Rogue Squadron and Ashern , the Vratix defeated the pro - Imperial Xucphra and broke Ysanne Isard ' s hold . The Vratix then asked the New Republic for admission as a member world . During the Yuuzhan Vong War , the Verachen sect of Vratix controlled bacta production , supplying the galaxy with the vital bacta . During the Swarm War , the Vratix became Joiner s to the Dark Nest Killik s and led a revolt against the Bacta Cartel s on Thyferra , bringing production of the healing liquid to a halt and causing a major blow to the forces of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances .