The Ganathans, alternatively known as Ganathians, were a sentient Near-Human species originally from the planet Ganath. This world was situated within a largely unmapped gaseous cloud inside Hutt Space, specifically the Oktos Nebula. The Ganathans' technology was primitive compared to much of the galaxy, as the uncharted and hazardous expanses of highly irradiated interstellar gases surrounding their pocket of space isolated them from the outside world. Their capacity for space travel was limited, relying on steam-powered spacecraft for sluggish journeys between system.
Despite their technological limitations in some respects, the Ganathans were quite sophisticated in other areas. Notably, they assisted in the construction of the Human Jedi Empatojayos Brand's cyborg suit, in addition to the lightning gun weapons system. The Jedi Knight, whose ship was too damaged for repair, found refuge among the Ganathans and collaborated with them to develop the repulsorlift sphere that housed his body and sustained his life. Eventually, Brand rose to become the Ganathans' leader, governing their civilization according to the Jedi principles of justice.
In 10 ABY, the heavily damaged light freighter the Millennium Falcon entered Ganathan Space, where the Humans Han Solo, Leia Organa Solo, and Vima-Da-Boda, along with the Wookiee Chewbacca, sought protection from the Ganathans and their king.