The Catullans were a humanoid species native to the planet Catulla.
History
Catullans encountered the Federation in the early 23rd century and in 2269 completed negotiations to join the Federation as a member planet.
Biology
Catullans were easily distinguished by their purple hair. They were stronger on average than Humans with particularly strong hands able to perform a modification of the Vulcan nerve pinch to disable other humanoid attackers. Catullans also have a higher capacity for salt intake, an evolutionary measure that allowed them to drink saltwater which dominates the surface of their planet.
Society & Culture
Catullans are still so rare in Federation space, as compared to wider-ranging species like humans, that many Catullans get mis-identified as members of some other more populous species whose appearance has been altered for entertainment purposes. This is a source of some frustration for them; individual Catullans deal with it in different ways.
Given the warm climate of much of Cendo Prae's land masses, historical dress tended to be loose and light. Informally, a combination of sarongs or kilts for the lower body, and light blouses, chest wraps, or short vests for the upper body, were deemed sufficient. (Although Federation norms make trousers a more common choice for the public and professional lives of both sexes, at home many Catullans still enjoy traditional styles.) Formal wear, as in many M-class societies, meant more complex layers: headgear, undertunics, longer vests, complete jackets, sashes and belts heavy with ornamentation.
Life on Catulla has often meant life aboard a boat or ship. With the shortage of land, houseboats (in the case of the poorest, lean-tos on reed rafts) provided shelter for many. Post-warp, given replicator technology and abundant energy resources, houseboats can now be a lifestyle choice, rather than a necessity. Still, until very recently, whether rich or poor, living on land or on water, Catullans have been forced to make do with much less personal space than citizens of similar socioeconomic niches on worlds with more land.
Historically, their customs and their expectations about 'personal space bubbles' reflected that shortage of room. Household goods were designed to take up as little space as possible. Multi-purpose spaces, with furniture that could be moved or put away, were a necessity.
