The Goa'uld are a parasitic species that naturally posses a craving for power. In their natural form they are nothing more than snake-like creatures. The Goa'uld are born from asexual mothers known as Queens. When a Goa'uld parasite is “born” they inherit the genetic memory of the one that came before it. Infant Goa'uld must be incubated within aquatic containers that supply a constant electrical current. The infant Goa'uld can also be incubated within the pouches of Jaffa. This incubation process goes on for several years before the parasite reaches its mature state and is ready to take a host. When a Goa'uld is prepared to take a host it burrows its way through the rear of the neck and wraps itself around the upper spinal column as it moves toward the brain. It instantly gains control of