Oplexian

Oplexians were a pre-warp non-humanoid race native to Oplex. They are among the largest sapient species known to the Federation, comparable in size to Earth's extinct Argentinosaurus. Their colossal size is attributed to their herbivory, hollow bones, complex respiratory system, and the support of 6 pillar-like legs. Despite their comparisons to dinosaurs, they physically resemble elephants more than anything else, having short muscular necks and their elongated prehensile jowls serving as their main appendages for manipulating tools and plant matter. Unlike smaller 6-legged fauna, they lack fibrous integument in adulthood except on the end of their tail for communication purposes, as their colossal size is more than enough to keep them warm.

As the oplexians did not have warp technology, in accordance with the Prime Directive first contact had not yet been made. Although science missions to Oplex are common, the oplexian species itself is barely researched aside from the occasional scan of a deceased individual, as their impractical size and non-humanoid nature made it difficult to observe them up close with 24th century technology without a very high risk of accidentally violating the Prime Directive.