Dianoga

Dianoga were large omnivorous cephalopods that hailed from the planet Vodran in the Si'Klaata Custer. Although primitive, in rare cases there were even sentient individuals, and some dianoga were sensitive to the Force.

Biology and appearance
Dianoga were cephalopods characterized by seven suckered tentacles, an eyestalk, a mouth of sharp teeth, and several hearts. They could grow to a length of 7 to 10 meters. Their blood had a blue tint.

Although they could survive in the open air for short periods of time, dianoga were entirely dependent on water, lest they completely dried out.

While physically hermaphroditic, dianoga could choose to identify as female, diangous (the most common gender), or male. The mating process involved partners exchanging eggs with one another.

The normal skin color of a mature individual was a deep purple, but dianoga could change their color and patterns for active camouflage. They could notably turn black, gray, and even transparent. They also had the ability to regenerate lost limbs.

Dianoga were omnivores, feeding on smaller animals like fish and crabs, but also feed on bones and aquatic plants.

Dianoga in the galaxy
Dianoga hailed from Vodran, a swampy planet located in the Si'Klaata Cluster. They shared their world with the sentient Vodrans, who usually stayed well away from the deeper wetlands.

Experienced chefs could make grilled dianoga into a tasty breakfast dish, but overcooking it would activate the blood parasites in the fatty tissue, destroying the flavor.

Hystory
At some point before the Battle of Yavin in 0 BBY, a female dianoga named Omi was captured by Vodrans, who handed her to members of the Galactic Empire en route to their new Death Star battle station. She was dumped into the Death Star's garbage masher 3263827, where she would feed on the organic materials that occasionally fell in. During the rescue of Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker first realized something was alive in the garbage compactor, but shortly after his realization, Omi dragged Skywalker underwater. Han Solo and Organa were unable to locate him, but the dianoga released him just before the walls began to close.

During the Battle of Starkiller in 34 ABY Captain Phasma, after being droped into a garbage masher, was attacked by a semi-sentient dianoga.