The Nautolans originated from the planet of Glee Anselm, and are classified as a humanoid species. Their amphibious nature allowed them to thrive in challenging environments. Although largely a peaceful society, Nautolans experienced conflict with the Anselmi, a related species also inhabiting Glee Anselm.
Being amphibious, Nautolans possessed the ability to breathe both in air and underwater. They were reputed for their capacity to endure severe environmental conditions. Their skin could exhibit a range of colors, including green, blue, gray, purple, orange, or yellow, while their blood was either red or green. A defining characteristic was their large, dark eyes, an evolutionary adaptation that enabled them to perceive details in the darkness of the oceans.
Another distinctive trait was the presence of elongated tendrils extending from their heads. These tendrils housed highly sensitive olfactory receptors that detected chemicals, most notably pheromones, allowing them to discern emotional states and subtle physiological changes in other beings. Nautolans could interpret these pheromones to understand the emotional condition of others. Severing these head tresses had minimal long-term effects, although they were incapable of regrowing.
The Nautolans were renowned for their peaceful nature and aversion to unnecessary violence. However, they were also formidable warriors when compelled to fight. They held deep reverence for the "ocean spirit," which they believed maintained the natural equilibrium on Glee Anselm. Nautolan society was characterized by prosperity, and they generously shared their resources. Immersion in liquid was preferred, as they were most comfortable in underwater environments.
Nautila, the Nautolan language, incorporated pheromones for communication. These pheromones were capable of conveying complex concepts, including complete sentences and precise map coordinates. A cultural practice involved bringing faces close, with cheeks touching, as a gesture of farewell.
According to the legends, the first Nautolans resided in underwater caves on Glee Anselm, their homeworld, and over millennia, their society expanded to encompass vast regions of the ocean floor. Initially, the Nautolans and Anselmi lived harmoniously, but eventually, the Anselmi grew envious and began to threaten and encroach upon Nautolan territory. In response, the Queen of the Nautolans cautioned the Anselmi that their actions would provoke the ocean spirit. Realizing that continuing to threaten the Nautolans could lead to war, the Anselmi relocated from Glee Anselm's ocean to a large landmass.
The Nautolans persisted in sending ambassadors to the Anselmi, warning them against disrupting the balance of nature, but their representatives were consistently dismissed. Ultimately, the Anselmi's ambition for expansion led them to construct massive dams to restrain the ocean. This act enraged the ocean spirit, resulting in a storm that destroyed the Anselmi empire and submerged it. The Nautolans lamented the Anselmi's disregard for their warnings and continued to live peacefully, mindful of the importance of natural harmony. Unable to breathe underwater, the Anselmi were forced to make do on the limited land available on Glee Anselm.
By the time of the High Republic Era, Nautolans had ventured beyond their home planet and could be encountered throughout the galaxy. In the late Republic Era, Anselmi extremists launched attacks against the Nautolans. This eventually escalated into a war between the Anselmi and Nautolans, which the Galactic Republic attempted to resolve, but Count [Dooku]'s(/article/dooku) interference thwarted these efforts, and the conflict continued. In 26 BBY, a group of Anselmi, who derisively referred to the Nautolans as "gill heads," vowed to one day dominate them.
Werth Plouth, a Nautolan, served as a leader within the Path of the Open Hand cult on Dalna, holding the title of "Herald." His wife, Opari Plouth, and daughter, Kor Plouth, also Nautolans, were members of the cult. The Herald's appearance was distinguished by his severed head tendrils. Upon the arrival of "the Mother" on Dalna, she seized control of the cult from Plouth. After the Mother orchestrated the death of Kor and other Path operatives, the Herald, aided by his daughter's Evereni girlfriend, Yana Ro, engaged in a power struggle against the Mother. Ultimately, both the Herald and the Mother lost control to Yana's cousin Marda Ro, and both quickly joined Marda's Path of the Closed Fist.
During the High Republic era, Rix Tegano, a Nautolan, instructed Jedi Initiates in sky skimming on Kondoraan. Argomon operated as a black market smuggler. Several Nautolans were members of the Jedi Order, including Jedi Master Kit Fisto, a victim of Palpatine, the Padawan Knox, and the youngling Zatt. The Trident-class assault ship Nautolan's Revenge was named after the species.
A well-known Nautolan bounty hunter, Nakano Lash, collaborated with figures like Boba Fett and Bossk. Fong Do, a male Nautolan bounty hunter, maintained a close friendship with Castas. One Nautolan fought alongside Cassian Jeron Andor in the Rebel Alliance, while Daz Crano, a Nautolan, piloted a T-70 X-wing starfighter for the Resistance during their war against the First Order.
Caij Vanda was a Nautolan bounty hunter who encountered Cal Kestis.