In the [[fictional universe]] of ''[[Star Trek]]'', "'''Species 8472'''" is the name (designated by the [[Borg (fictional aliens)|Borg]]) of an advanced [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] [[race]] that lives in the realm of fluidic space.
==Anatomy==
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Species 8472 is discovered by the Borg in 2373 when they invade fluidic space in the episode ''[[Scorpion (Voyager episode)|Scorpion, Part II]]'' by opening a rift in space using a [[Deflector Dish|deflector dish]]. The [[Borg]] discover Species 8472 in the [[Delta Quadrant]] and try to assimilate its [[bio-technology]] which is more advanced than anything the Borg have seen. The Borg quickly realize that 8472 is immune to [[assimilation (Star Trek)|assimilation]], and that contemporary Borg technology is no match for it. In fact, 8472 is one of the few species so advanced that its ships are able to destroy Borg cubes in seconds. Species 8472 then invades the Delta Quadrant in retaliation to Borg aggression, and begins a systematic ethnic cleansing of the Borg and other innocent species. Over the course of five months, tens of billions of drones are lost, as well as several hundred planets. When the crew of Voyager realizes that it has no choice but to go through Borg space in order to continue home in any kind of timely manner, Captain Janeway hatches a plan to create a weapon to kill Species 8472 and use it as a bargaining chip with the Borg in exchange for safe passage through Borg space. The Borg accept. In conjunction with Janeway, the Borg develop a high-yield [[warhead]] armed with modified [[Nanoprobe (Star Trek)|nanoprobes]], developed by the Emergency Medical Hologram, that is extremely effective at killing 8472 and forces it to retreat to fluidic space. In return for Janeway's help, the Borg allow ''Voyager'' safe passage through their space for a limited time.
A member of Species 8472 is left in the Delta Quadrant during the retreat and is relentlessly hunted by a group of [[Hirogen]] for several months.
