----- A species native to a string of tropical volcanic islands near the equator of their homeworld, Keone, the Keahi are adapted to both tropical climates and swimming and diving. Best described as a hybrid of a hyena, an otter and a sea lion, their fur is short and water-resistant, their ears are useful for radiating excess heat, and their chubby bodies provide some insulation, protection from hazards like sharp rocks and shark bites, and additional buoyancy as they swim or just float around in the waters around their home islands. Their tails are useful for swimming as well, acting as both a rudder and an additional means of propulsion. They are known to dive very deep into the ocean without the assistance of any diving equipment in order to collect food and various treasures.
A population of Keahi exists on Demeter (my parallel Earth), inhabiting what would be that world's version of Hawaii and Pacific Islands. Originally, I had just intended for them to be a native species, but once I got more interested in expanding my galaxy I decided they should be aliens. How they arrived and settled on a world so remote from their own homeworld is a question that has yet to be answered--but the Keahi found the tropical islands very much to their liking, and very reminiscent of their home planet, settling in with ease.
