Manaan existed as an ocean planet. Its location was in the Inner Rim of the galaxy, specifically at coordinates O-11 on the Standard Galactic Grid. This world was the original homeworld of the Selkath species who were sentient, and historically dedicated to the preservation of their native oceans. Notably, the Selkath bounty hunters Mantu and Chata Hyoki both originated from Manaan.
During a discussion with Cal Kestis, the Jedi Knight, the fisher Skoova Stev made reference to Manaan and its turbulent waters. This analogy, concerning the flexibility of one's moral principles, occurred either on the planet Koboh or Jedha around 9 BBY.
The first mention of Manaan within the new Star Wars canon appeared in the Encyclopedia entry for Mantu, which was available on StarWars.com before the site was discontinued. This information was subsequently transferred to its successor, the Databank. Manaan was initially conceived for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, a 2003 Star Wars Legends roleplaying game that was created by BioWare.
A compilation album inspired by Star Wars, titled Star Wars Headspace, was launched in 2016, and it included a track called "Sunset Over Manaan," composed by the house music producer ATTLAS. In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the video game developed by Respawn Entertainment in 2023, Manaan is referenced in optional dialogue after Stev captures a glottsamcrab. Given that the capture of this creature is necessary for achieving one hundred percent completion of the game, it is assumed that this conversation takes place, and is therefore included in this article.