Yanskacs functioned as creatures employed by the Yuuzhan Vong. Those belonging to the Warrior caste frequently made use of them as armaments. These creatures possessed eight-centimeter spines that extended along their dorsal ridge, accompanied by a tail barb housing a neuropoison that induced pain, though it was not invariably fatal. They also had chelipeds.
Furthermore, yanskacs were a preferred food source for both the Warriors and the Workers. The consumption process involved submerging one's hand into the yanskac tank, grasping beneath the tail to evade the barbs and chelipeds, although this action would provoke the yanskac to drive its spines into the consumer. Subsequently, the yanskac would be carved while still alive and tossed into a brazier, still encased in its scales, to be cooked.