The Trandoshan race is naturally well-equipped for survival, as they evolved on the harsh world of Dosha. Their mouth contains two rows of teeth, which are razor sharp, but small. Not unlike a shark, if a tooth is lost or dulled, a Trandoshan will grow a new one. Their long arms and legs end in long, pointed claws on their feet and hands, which each consist of four digits. The hands have two index fingers and two opposable thumbs, giving them great gripping strength. The hands also have retractable claws, usually about four to five inches in length. They are controlled by muscles inside the hand. Their feet are large and broad, and very dextrous. The soles are very rough, and are almost impervious to heat and cold. The arms usually hang lower than other races, sometimes reaching near to the knee at claw's end. Although this gives them the appearance of being extremely gangly and clumsy, the natural instinct of the species never evolved out, and they are extremely quick and agile, despite their size.

They have small, short snouts, with high foreheads, and bone ridges that run along the front and sides of the skull down the back of the neck, where the ridges are thicker, protecting the spinal column. The ridge continues down the back, until reaching the tailbone.