Keelkana served as mounts for the Mon Calamari Knights originating from the planet of Mon Cala. The design of Mon Calamari energy lances specifically accommodated their use while riding a Keelkana.
The keelkana received its initial mention within the new Star Wars canon inside the 2019 roleplaying supplement Gadgets and Gear, released by Fantasy Flight Games. Their genesis lies within the Star Wars Legends timeline, making their debut appearance in "Chapter 5" of Star Wars: Clone Wars back in 2003.