Critokians were sentient beings of the arachnoid variety, standing approximately two meters in height. Originating from the Critoki system, many of these beings took up residence in tribal communities on Yavin 4, a moon. Equipped with sizable claws, they engaged in hunting activities on the jungle planet. Some Critokians eventually left Yavin 4, pursuing careers as bounty hunters. Their biological structure was characterized by a sophisticated nervous system along with six openings that served dual purposes for both respiration and communication.
These sentient Critokians, reaching heights of two meters, possessed a unique arachnoid yet bipedal form, complete with four limbs. Their fingers exhibited a tentacle-like structure, enabling them to manipulate objects effectively. These members of the species were equipped with formidable claws and demonstrated both swift running and swimming capabilities. Each Critokian had six holes situated on their forehead, facilitating breathing in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, as well as enabling communication. The intricate nervous system was located within the upper region of their primary body, or head. Conversely, the lower region contained the Critokian heart, along with the circulatory and digestive systems. Their skin presented a yellow hue, complemented by black markings at their joints, as well as at the base and tip of their body. Each individual of this species possessed two red eyes, positioned on either side, slightly above the point where the larger limbs connected to the main body.
Originating from the Critoki system, the Critokians formed tribal societies on the jungle moon known as Yavin 4. Their large claws were instrumental in securing prey. They employed a series of hoots and whistles as their means of communication.
The Critokians' origins trace back to the Critoki system, which became integrated into the Esstran sector within the Trans-Hydian reaches of the Outer Rim Territories, occurring at some point between 3000 and 1000 BBY. Their homeworld became a contested space during the Clone Wars around 19 BBY, later falling under the control of Warlord Zsinj's territory from 4 ABY until 8 ABY. Subsequently, it resided within the disputed Borderland Regions throughout the Thrawn campaign before being incorporated into Darth Krayt's Sith Empire by 137 ABY. At some stage in their history, these Non-Humans established a presence on Yavin 4, one of the three habitable satellites orbiting the gas giant known as Yavin Prime.
Several Critokians ventured beyond Critoki and Yavin 4, honing their skills to become accomplished bounty hunters. At Sok Brok's Fiftieth Annual Pet Show on Taris, attendees might have witnessed an arachnoid Critokian walking a bipedal ornuk on a leash. While perhaps amusing, such a sight was not considered particularly unusual.
The Critokian species was conceived by Ooi Say Hien at the age of 13 through the "Design An Alien" competition hosted by Star Wars Galaxy magazine. The competition was initiated in Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 3 (1995), and the winning entries were showcased in Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 7 (1996). Hien's submission emerged as the winner in the "Under 16 years old" category. Leland Chee, the continuity editor, later affirmed that published "Design an Alien" material should be regarded as canon. James Luceno subsequently referenced the Critokians in his novel Millennium Falcon (2008), thereby making them one of only two "Design an Alien" alien species to receive direct mention in a later work—the other being the Skels of Hoth. In The Essential Atlas (2009), authors Daniel Wallace and Jason Fry established the world of Critoki. Fry had derived the reference from Millennium Falcon and was unaware of the species' origins in "Design an Alien." While the source did not explicitly identify Critoki as the original homeworld of the species before their potential migration to Yavin 4, Fry has stated that it would "make more sense that way."