Knup-knups are sentient marine mammals native to the planet Tau Prime. Folklore has it that the name is onomatopoetic, originating in the sound the creatures utter as they forage among the rocks and tidepools. Knup-knups are protected by Federation law and research teams are limited to unobtrusive observation. However, males become territorial during mating season and this has led to a few unintentional and embarrassing interactions with humans, usually inept poachers, who prize their pelts.