Kippan

The Kippans are a species from the planet Kippo VI in the Epsilon Sector.

Biology
The Kippans are commonly known to be shape shifters by other races, though the latest research from the FIB suggests that the Kippans don't actually possess shape-shifting abilities. In actuality Kippans are a pretty normal organic lifeforms. But on their planet, there is a second life-form that is a symbiote, a kind of virus that lives within the bodies of Kippans. In exchange for residence within a Kippan the virus will give the Kippan the ability to change their DNA allowing them to change into virtually any organic life-form that has the same mass.

Culture
Kippans are known by the rest of galactic society to be a secretive and duplicitous, often changing sides to suit their positions. Thus it makes them very unreliable and touchy species to deal with that even FOEs would think of twice to accept aid from.

Appearance

 * Outernet Book 3: Odyssey by Steve Barlow