Betazoid
- Appearance: Mammalian; black irises, otherwise largely indistinguishable from Humans
- Homeworld: Betazed
- Telepathic, able to communicate directly among one another, other telepathic species
- In certain particular situations, able to communicate with non-telepathic species
- Telepathy tends to be extremely powerful as compared with other species
- Vast majority of Betazoids gain telepathic abilities upon puberty (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed; TNG: "Tin Man")
- Small fraction of a percent are telepathic from birth (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed; TNG: "Tin Man")
- Such individuals generally suffer debilitating social and psychological damage if not carefully guided due to uncontrolled and constant exposure of thoughts of the general populace (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed; TNG: "Tin Man")
- Small fraction of a percent are telepathic from birth (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed; TNG: "Tin Man")
- Cultural notes
- Betazoid faith
- Culture heavily impacted by natural strong telepathic talent throughout the population (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed)
- Violence and war largely abandoned centuries ago, due to natural ability to allow for mutual understanding of inner state (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed)
- Privacy viewed as more a lack of intrusion than a personal protection
- Few feelings or beliefs considered requiring secrecy, with little shame in sharing opinions
- Residences still tend to be built with an eye towards physical distance, to allow some telepathic quiet (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed)
- Lack of nudity taboo likely a result of this as well
- Betazoid society divided into noble houses
- At least five houses
- Each designated with a number
- Male heirs known as "Scions", female heirs known as "Daughters" (TNG Novel: The Battle of Betazed)