Maalraas, also known as Nighthunters, constituted a non-sentient animal species characterized by quadrupedal and predatory traits. These Nighthunters operated in coordinated groups, employing sharp claws and strong jaws filled with fangs to incapacitate their targets. They possessed an ability to use the Force for camouflage, rendering them practically invisible against dark backgrounds; only highly skilled Jedi or Sith could discern their outlines. Their tough hides and bones provided significant resistance against both lightsabers and intense heat. A population thrived on Dxun, a forest moon within the Onderon system, and potentially also on Onderon itself. Maalraas, distinguished by prominent fangs extending from their rounded heads, are believed to be ancestral to the nighthunters. They engaged in pack hunting, with cannoks serving as their primary source of food, though an overabundance of cannoks could lead to the predators being repelled or even killed. Conversely, the zakkeg preyed upon the Maalraas. During 3951 BBY, Mandalorian warriors residing on the moon considered maalraas particularly challenging prey, viewing the task of eliminating them as a substantial feat.
Nighthunters could be readily trained from a young age or even when older, making them valuable as loyal guard animals. They were exported from their undisclosed home planet by criminal organizations and affluent individuals willing to engage in black market transactions. Despite being abundant during the Old Republic period, they were presumed extinct by the time of the Clone Wars, although at least one individual survived on Parein II 4. When Jedi Knight Valin Draco was sent to the planet, he faced an attack from the creature and narrowly escaped death, eventually gaining the advantage. He nursed the injured nighthunter back to health, named it Crant, and kept it as a companion. Draco succumbed to the dark side during the Great Jedi Purge and became part of the Inquisitorius, with Crant remaining by his side throughout. When Draco was assigned to the Almas Academy to capture Jedi Master Vhiin Thorla, he instructed Crant to guard the captured Jedi. While Draco was away, members of the Alderaanian Resistance infiltrated the academy to liberate Master Thorla, resulting in Crant's death.