The Sailfin Goliath is a rare and magnificent beast, non-aggressive and slow-moving, that surrounds itself with an oasis of abundant tranquility. Its long, waving tendrils are used to spread pollen around its garden, and to release chemical signals that activate repellants in the planimals it grows, keeping predators away. Its head crest and towering sail help to keep this giant animal cool, and are theorized to play a part in mating rituals, though no Gentle Giant has ever been seen in company with another.

The Na’vi do not hunt the Sailfin Goliath, but harvest from its garden instead, in the knowledge that the highest quality ingredients can be found there. The Sailfin Goliath is regarded by some clans as an example of how Eywa wants them to live, existing in a state of calm and peaceful contemplation. Others, like the Zeswa, point out that the Sailfin Goliath is so rare as to be almost legendary, and that is where such wishful thinking gets you.