The Arcean Empire is an ancient and well-respected alien race from Galactic Civilizations. It is mentioned that the Arceans were the first alien race ever encountered by Humanity.
Arceans are catlike in appearance, with bony tube-like growths on their faces that could possibly be nostrils. It is possible that they had a hand in the development of HyperDrive, the awesome interstellar propulsion technology that had made the human race famous in the galactic community.