The barbed hookfish represented a unique species of aquatic life, specifically a fish, that was only found on the Outer Rim planet of Koboh. Through evolutionary pressures, this species transformed into a fierce hunter. Diverging from its relatives that consumed krill and aquatic nutrients, the barbed hookfish grew a tough outer shell and developed hooked fins, perfectly suited for preying on other fish and even birds.
Skoova Stev, a local fisherman living on Koboh, managed to capture a barbed hookfish within the smuggler's tunnels located below Rambler's Reach Outpost during the year 9 BBY. He subsequently placed it within Pyloon's Saloon.
The initial introduction of the barbed hookfish to the Star Wars universe occurred in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a game developed by Respawn Entertainment and launched on April 28th, 2023.