Andorians

Homeworld Andoria
Native Language Andorian
Government Name The Supreme Cooperative
Government Type Mercantile-based Republic
Executive Official None
Military Branches Standing Army, Space Fleet
Notable Organizations Am Tal:  The Am Tal is supposedly the Intelligence Service of Andoria.  Operating in the interests of Andoria only (not necessarily the same as the Federation's interests), there is no proof that this organization really exists.  Many a time, however, intelligence data is given to Starfleet Intelligence from an anonymous source that is thought to be the Am Tal.
Relations with UFP Very good; Andoria is a long-standing member and supporter of the Federation, though at times, they have been known to take matters into their own hands when their goals do not coincide with the Federations.
Life Expectancy Not listed
Skin Tone Various shades of blue from ocean blue to robin's egg.   Generally, darker tones are indicative of good health, where paler skin tends towards poor health or diet.
Hair Straight and white to silver in color.  Curly, wavy or colored hair is the result of styling, not natural occurrence.
Eyes Typically blue, black or gray.
Prominent Features The two most prominent features on Andorians are their blue skin tone and their antenna.  The blue skin tone, the result of the proteinous dye HZB-41, similar to melanin in humans, is produced by nearly all Andorian animal life.   HZB-41 is derived from proteins in the Andorian's diet and must be replenished.   An indication of illness in Andorians is pale coloring. 

Andorian antenna are rigid structures set high on the head which function as directional hearing organs, the long-distance heat-sensing organs and the telepathic sensors which play an important part in the reproductive cycle.  Comprised mainly of cartilage, they are utilized heavily to express emotions through body language.  One example of their importance is that Andorian's "kiss" by touching the tips of their antenna together.  Fear of damage to an Andorian's antenna is paramount, equivalent to castration in Terrans.  Uninvited touching of an Andorian's antenna is considered to be rude in the extreme, and any threats of harm to that organ is legitimate grounds for assault and murder on Andor.
Average Height Males 2m, Females 1.7m
Average Build Males 80kg, Females 65kg
Culture Andorians are primarily carnivores.  While they do utilize some fruits and nuts as condiments, most vegetables are viewed as livestock fodder.

Marriage with Andorians is a serious and lasting affair.  The bonding that occurs between an Andorian and their One True Mate produces physiological changes in both the male and female.  Not only does this change decrease the individual's sexual interest in any persons other than their mate, but is so powerful that the death of one of the pair usually ends in the death of the other (as a result of telepathic shock).

Andorians are an aggressive and militant race by nature, though they are not prone to wanton acts of violence.  They have been known to describe themselves as "aggressive and passionate." 

Andorian life revolves around Cooperatives, groups of 60 - 100 families who pull together their resources and skills for the survival of the group.  Usually, these Cooperatives center on a single trade such as farming, a specific trade, etc...  When an Andorian reaches age, they may choose to remain in their familial Cooperative, or seek out one of their own. 

Typical Demeanor In general, most Andorians are disciplined, with a strong sense of duty and a high regard for personal honor.  They are straight-forward and tend to lean more towards actions than words.  They are hard-working folk, but have poor social skills and generally feel awkward in social recreational settings.

Andorians are highly concerned with rules and laws... not only their own, but Starfleet's and the Federation's as well.  While an Andorian would never violate any type of order or law, they have been known to find very creative ways around restrictions.

In addition to their sometimes violent tempers, Andorians tend to be a very passionate species in general.  They especially revere music and song.
Religion A pantheon of deities mostly centered around various aspects of life and nature. 
Holidays Not listed.
Names Andorians typically go by a single name.
Historic Moments Andorian Blues music has inspired and influenced musical genres throughout the galaxy.

During the 2300's, Dr. Sharas Vetra of Andoria discovered a cure to the Orion Plagues that threatened to kill millions in systems near the Orion border.