Musteloid

The musteloid is a humanoid species known to the Federation by a single individual, Jonathan Stryker. The origin of the race is currently unknown.

## Biology

### Physical appearance

Musteloids have a typical humanoid build combined with mustelid-like features reminiscent of the Terran mink: a pointed, weasel-like muzzle with a bare nosepad, rounded triangular ears, a long tail, whiskers, canine-like dentition (including sharp fangs), and a thick coat of soft, glossy fur. This fur, in shades of brown with white markings on the chin, chest, stomach, hands, and feet, covers the entire body except for the nosepad, inner ears, palms, soles, fingertips, and toe-tips. Instead of fingernails and toenails, musteloids have nonretractable claws.

### Physiology

Musteloid physiology suggests that the species descended from a hypercarnivorous, predatory ancestor. They have an unusually high metabolic rate for a humanoid species, and are obligate carnivores, requiring flesh to meet their nutritional needs. Like other obligate carnivore species such as the Ferasan and the Gorn, musteloids have a relatively short digestive tract compared to herbivorous and omnivorous species and are unable to digest plant matter. In spite of their advanced intelligence (comparable to that of humans and other similar races), they seem to have retained many of their more primitive instincts, such as the urge to chase prey.

They have a keen sense of smell, similar to that of Vulcans and Klingons, and are sensitive to pheromones, which they may use as an unconscious form of communication. Much like the Terran mink and other mustelid (weasel) species, musteloids possess scent glands on the neck, chest, and under the tail, which can produce pheromones and a distinct musky odor, likely used by their more primitive ancestors to scent mark their territories. Other nonverbal forms of communication employed by musteloids include ear and tail movements, bristling of fur (particularly on the tail, which takes on a bottlebrush appearance when an individual is alarmed), and a sharp, cat-like hissing to indicate anger or fear.

Musteloids have a distinct mating cycle, much like Vulcan Pon Farr, for a period of three weeks each year post-puberty. During this period, individuals experience elevated hormone levels (resulting in a heightened sex drive and aggression) as well as an increase in pheromone emissions.

The species also exhibits several adaptations to a semiaquatic lifestyle. Musteloid fur is soft, dense, and close-fitting, and possesses oily, waterproof guard hairs. Their fingers and toes are partially webbed, and they are particularly fond of catching and consuming live fish and shellfish, including the bones and/or shells, which provide calcium and other necessary nutrients.

## Discovery

The only musteloid currently known to the Federation, Jonathan Stryker, was discovered in 2340 when the Federation ship USS *Bidwell*, under Captain Stuart Rossi, came across a generation ship of unknown origin. The ship lacked warp technology and was barely functioning.  It contained a large number of stasis pods, the majority of which were empty and nonfunctioning. The only life form that the crew found was an alien infant in one of the few still-functioning stasis pods. The infant was revived and rescued by the crew, and eventually adopted by a human couple and raised on the Federation frontier colony New Alaska. Because of Jonathan's resemblance to a humanoid version of a Terran mink (a type of mustelid), the Federation adopted the term "musteloid" for his species. Jonathan Stryker joined Starfleet Academy in 2358 and is currently executive officer of the USS *Arcturus*.