The Zao tenj were among the few alien species known to originate outside the Galaxy (the only known others being the Kwa, Silentium, Abominor and the Zuuzhan Vong). The Zao tenj perfectly resembled Humans, though they were taller and more heavily built than the average Human. Notably, the Zao tenj were not significantly affected by the Force. This confounded the Sith Lord Darth Raith when he first encountered Zao tenj ground troops on Sith'ika.