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Krayt Dragon

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a large, fearsome beast native to Tatooine, the krayt dragon continued to grow larger throughout its lifespan. There were two distinct subspecies of krayt dragon. The smaller was known as the canyon krayt, and was yellowish-brown in color, a camouflage used to blend in with the desert's rocky caves and fissures. The head of the dragon was heavily armored, and four or more large horns grew from its crown. The dragon walked low to the ground on four heavy legs, and its tail was studded with long spikes. The larger of the two subspecies was known as the greater krayt dragon, and was an incredibly huge monster. Measuring 100 meters or more in length, the greater krayt moved about on ten stout legs, and could literally swim through the sand as it moved. Many believed that the canyon krayt was an offspring of the greater krayt, but this has never been proven. The Tusken Raiders on Tatooine had a maturity ritual in which young males were left in the desert to confront and kill a krayt dragon in order to prove their adulthood. The only sure way to kill the krayt was to penetrate their central sinus cavity and puncture the brain which lay behind it. The krayt, like many reptiles, had fearsome teeth which are used to capture its prey, but are ineffective for grinding and chewing. So, like many reptiles, the kray dragon ingests stones and boulders and holds them in a series of gizzards. The muscles of the gizzard chambers roll food around among the stones, crushing it into digestible pulp. The last gizzard chamber contains the smoothest stones, which are expelled in favor ot newer, rougher stones. These smooth stones are known throughout the galaxy as dragon pearls, and are extremely valuable. It has been reported that the krayt dragon has recently been domesticated. They are often raised for their milk and eggs. The Sandpeople and Jawas have said that the bones of the krayt dragon hold mystical powers. There are some scholars who believe that the krayt dragon is really the descendant of the wild offspring of a Duinuogwuin, although this has never been proven.