Starfish Aliens

Basic Information

The inverse of Human Aliens or Rubber Forehead Aliens. These are alien aliens. They are usually distinguished by two or more of:

• Non-Vertebrate physiolology
• Nonhuman psychology (as opposed to Planet Of Hats)
• Either unable to survive in Earth-like conditions, or able to survive nearly anywhere.
• Vastly different motor, sensory, or communication abilities.
• Completely nonhuman reproduction, such as budding, virtual immortality, unfertilized reproduction, three or more sexes, or a specialized queen.

Related Tropes

• Bee People
• Bizarre Alien Biology
• Bizarre Sexual Dimorphism
• Grotesque Gallery
• Starfish Language - for which you need a Babelfish

See also:

For a discussion of actual scientific principles and projections about possible alien life, see Alien Biochemistry and the pages it links to.

Sources

• The Elder Things of H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos were at least somewhat starfishy having fivefold radial symmetry …
• The Hivers of the Traveller RPG's default setting were also radially symmetrical.

Bibliography

1. TV Tropes Wiki

Game and Story Use

• TV series tend to the rubber forehead approach because they don't have the budget for full-body starfish aliens. Luckily, in gaming, we have our imagination. Don't restrict yourself to endless minor humanoid variations - create a species more unique and memorable.
  • Unless, of course, you need a particular species to be as comfortable and familiar as elves.
• Hostile and truly mind-warping Starfish Aliens border on Eldritch Abomination.