Zabrak are a humanoid species that are fairly closely related to humans. However, there are a number of signicant differences between a human and a Zabrak physically. The significant traits, both human and non-human are categorized and listed below. Other than the differences you will see here, Zabrak are more or less identical to humans.


The most visually obvious physical trait of a Zabrak is the horns upon their head. These are most commonly referred to as "vestigial horns."

The pattern, size, and color of the horns varies by family, clan, or race; but there are some patterns that are far more common than others, such as the pattern seen on Zabrak such as Eeth Koth and Agen Kolar.

Zabrak infants are born without horns as nature's way of protecting the mother during childbirth (they may have visual spots or soft stubs where the horns will grow), and usually begin to grow somewhere between 1 and 2 years and complete their growth at puberty.

Larger and more shapely horns are considered a mark of beauty and status among Iridonian Zabrak, but less traditional Zabrak may disagree. Those who don't wish to have horns may have them surgically removed, but, of course, they always grow back. You can't escape the Zabrak in you!

It is often said that horns hold secrets of the future, much like the belief that the palm of the hand holds this information for humans. Some Zabrak make a living by "reading" horns. A wives' tale used by Zabrak parents to falsely warn their young children was that their horns would grow to a much too large size if a Zabrak was untruthful.

Many Zabrak do not grow hair naturally; however, there are also many Zabrak with hair that grows around their horns. The rate is probably 50/50.

There are mixed opinions among Zabrak involving horns and hair. Some feel that having hair makes them less of a Zabrak and that those with no hair surrounding their horns are superior within the species. Some clans may cast out children who begin to grow hair. Zabrak who feel this way may regularly remove their hair to be accepted. Other Zabrak feel that their hair compliments their horns like grass compliments flowers.

Across the galaxy, many modern Zabrak have adopted the human standards of beauty and vanity. These Zabrak usually tend to prefer hair and smaller horns, particularly when choosing a mate (the reason some Zabrak surgically remove their horns and have hair implanted). These standards are especially placed upon females, and some Zabrak women feel that they are unattractive because of their horns and/or lack of hair, a theory that sadly is confirmed by the many men who are attracted only to those women who appear more human.

Zabrak hair is generally the same color range as humans'.

It is a commonly accepted fact that Zabrak are incapable of growing facial hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Some Zabrak who have been seen with facial hair (such as Zur) are likely to have human blood somewhere in their heritage that is just enough to allow the hair to grow while letting them otherwise keep their true Zabrak appearance.

Zabrak tattoos (Jato) are a tradition that goes back as far as we can comprehend. All adult Zabrak have tattoos if they were raised in a traditional clan. Those who weren't raised this way may have them applied at their own will to honor their heritage.

Zabrak children are tattooless until their coming of age. Once a Zabrak has successfully completed Res Selenoren (see Culture page), they have earned the privilege and the obligation of being tattooed. A tattooing ceremony is held at some point following the Selenoren. Sometimes a joint ceremony may be held for all of the clan's children who have completed the challenges around the same time.

Most clans tend to have official clan tattoos which are applied to all members of the clan, but once in a while a Zabrak may receive personal markings. A less traditional clan may adopt their own traditions of letting the ceremony's guests of honor design their tattoos themselves.

The tattooing process is done with traditional Zabrak instruments and is extremely painful. The pain of the process is one final trial that officially brings a youth into adulthood and gives them full standing within the clan. The process also leaves scars in addition to the tattoos. These scars are called jataj and are considered an added mark of beauty.

Within Iridonian clans and all clans who stay true to their culture, a Tlestri (see Culture page) is the only type of fully grown Zabrak who does not have jato.

Zabrak come in a variety of skin color, but traditionally there is no discrimination regarding this. The color of a Zabrak's skin is insignificant to a traditional clan. Only the horns and possible hair are cause for racial discrimination. Zabrak outside of a traditional environment may have prejudices based on skin color, but to an Iridonian Zabrak the concept seems absurd. Skin colors may include hues such as yellow and red, or even light blue and purple, but these tones are somewhat rare. The majority of the species has skin in the peachy-white, tan, and brown range, similar to most human skin tones.

Eye color varies greatly among Zabrak, some colors being common human colors and others much more unusual. These colors can include red, orange, yellow, and purple.

Average Zabrak height is similar to that of humans. Generally, a Zabrak may be slightly shorter than a human, though not by any significant amount. The average Zabrak height is 1.8 meters (about 5'11"), which includes both genders. The average height for each gender separately is unknown. Some people of other species seem to have gotten the idea that Zabrak are much shorter than they really are. Ironically, Zabrak infants are much larger at birth than human babies.

The biggest known difference between a Zabrak and a human internally is the fact that Zabrak have two hearts. The two hearts work together to pump blood, but if one of them fails to work properly both will begin to fibrilate and the two may begin to work against each other, which will quickly result in death if a skilled surgeon does not operate fast enough.

Zabrak are very tolerant to drugs and will soon become immune to nearly any medication they take. A very strong anesthesia is needed to operate on a Zabrak or else it may wear off too soon, because he or she will start to become immune before the surgery is finished. Good thing Zabrak also have an extreme tolerance for pain!

For examples of the many, widely varying Zabrak appearances, check out our Zabrak Image Gallery.