Qheuens are radially symmetrical amphibious arthopods. They all have large chitinous carapaces which contain all major organs. On top of the carapace is a sensory "cupola" that can be retracted ito the carapace. It is ringed with a sensory stip that can detect the visible spectrum and into the infrared in 360 degrees. Underneath the carapace is the digestive/reproductive orifice and many feelers. Qheuen have five legs radially around the carapace. The joints are used to make noise, like the Tandu and other arthropod sophonts.

Ancient Qheuens lived in a matriarchal caste system. Large grey terrestrial Qheuens ruled the others from underwater caves. The subordinate blue and red castes inhabited fresh and saline water, respectively. Although all Qheuen breath air, only the greys live for any amount of time out of water. The caste system has been unused for centuries and all strains have equal status.

Like many arthropoidal life forms, the larval life of the Qheuen is violent and canniblistic. Eggs are laid in huge batches which hatch within seconds of each other. Within minutes, the pool into which they are born is filled with larval Qheuen eating each other. This happens for a few days untill they have stopped their giant growth spurt where they grow exponentially. The larva who have not been eaten are clearly the strongest survive to molt and become adult starfarers.

A group of renegade Qheuen is thought to have taken refuge on Jijo to continue to use the royal caste system in private. It is unknown whether they live there or not.