Creatures called Kaadu were naturally found on the planet of Naboo. During a fight that took place on the Great Grass Plains, kaadu, along with fambaas, were utilized to aid the Gungan Grand Army in their conflict against the Trade Federation's battle droids. Certain inhabitants of the planet Batuu raised kaadu as livestock for food. They had very good hearing. Gungans saw the act of taming a kaadu as a rite of passage into adulthood.
The kaadu was a reptavian with two legs, noted for its considerable strength and stamina. These creatures were both fast and nimble, possessing excellent hearing and a strong sense of smell. Their long legs and streamlined hides enabled them to move quickly both on land and in water. Although mainly land-based, kaadu could also breathe underwater for significant amounts of time. They lived in single-gender groups, usually numbering no more than 100. A female kaadu would lay between 6 and 8 eggs.
For many generations, the Gungans had domesticated kaadu, using them as mounts to navigate the swamps and forests. The Gungans held the kaadu in high regard, appreciating their strength, endurance, and unwavering loyalty. Adorning kaadu with large feathers became a common practice among the Gungans. The Gungan Grand Army came to depend on them as mounts for their patrol duties.
During the Battle of Naboo which occurred in 32 BBY, kaadu, in conjunction with fambaas, were deployed on the Great Grass Plains in order to bolster the Gungan Grand Army as they fought against the Trade Federation's battle droids.
Some people living on Batuu raised kaadu to be used as food. Smoked kaadu ribs were served at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo located in Black Spire Outpost on Batuu in 34 ABY.
Initially, the kaadu were intended to be beasts of burden from Tatooine. However, the story of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace changed, requiring the Gungans to be soldiers who rode beasts, so the kaadu were moved to Naboo. The eopie was then created using modified concept art of the kaadu. After being moved to Naboo, the kaadu were given aquatic features, most notably a duck-billed snout and smoother skin.
The snorting sounds of the Kaadu were made by mixing slowed-down pig sounds with the sound of whales spouting water.
Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia and Star Wars Bestiary, Vol. 1: Creatures of the Galaxy categorize kaadu as reptavians, while Ultimate Star Wars and the Databank classify them as avians. This article uses the reptavian classification, as the species displays more reptavian characteristics than avian ones.