A false tribble.
The false tribble was a small, herbivorous animal species native to Aleph III that resembled a tribble.
History and specifics[]
It ate and moved like a tribble. However, its fur had razor-sharp quills that extended outward like a porcupine's when touched, and it did not purr.
In the 2260s, tribbles and false tribbles could be found near Federation Genetics Research Station 17. Zoologists Carver Destry and Daniel Lane kept ten tribbles and four false tribbles in small animal pens for examination.
In 2270, just as the station was being closed down, Captain Koloth led a raiding party to attempt to steal the facility's research notes and specimens. At that time, three false tribbles were being kept in the zoology lab. (FASA RPG - Adventure Book module: Again, Troublesome Tribbles)