Species: Mynci

Mynci Facts

Pronounced: MWN-see

Discovered: 29th June 2000

Species Day: 22nd February

Native Land: Mystery Island (?)

The Mynci is a short-furred Neopet and walks on two legs. It is easily recognised by its large ears and eyes, its unusual snout, and the very long curly tail that it can use for grasp and balance like a fifth limb. At about 80cm, it is slightly taller than the average Neopet.

Myncis seem to originate in jungle areas, where there are plenty of trees to climb and fresh fruit to eat. They have taken particularly well to the dense tropical forests of Mystery Island. Their natural agility and sense of balance makes them great climbers, but they are also surprisingly strong pets with sturdy arms and a tight grip. Myncis adore fresh fruit, especially the banana (and its Neopian relatives). While these fun-loving pets may get up to pranks, they do their best to stay away from Neopia's real dark forces and evil influences, traditionally promising to "see, hear, speak and eat no evil".

Myncis are one of a few species of Neopet who seem to have their own form of communication within their own species, in addition to the Neopian language that all Neopets speak. Nothing much is known about Mynci language except that it sounds a lot like "ooh-ooh, ee-ee" to those who don't speak it.

The Mynci was introduced to the site on the 29th day of Relaxing, Year Two (known outside Neopia as June 29th, 2000). It replaced a less-than-serious pet design drawn up by Adam, a cartoony doodle based on one of his friends and known as the Mellish. It's not known what Adam's friend thought of any of these developments, especially the prospect of being painted blue all over by random owners at the Rainbow Pool.

Old Chia

The design of the Mynci has changed quite drastically since it replaced the Mellish. While some of the features we're familiar with today, like the large ears and snoutlike nose, were present in the earliest artwork, the Mynci's characteristic large eyes and spiral tail were completely absent, and many parts of its body seem to have been bald. The first Mynci was also drawn in an oddly pensive, inactive pose for its species, something that later redraws would correct.

Old Mynci

Mynci Trivia

While the pronunciation guide lists "Mynci" as being pronounced "Mwn-see", the recording in Techo Says, made by the original Neopets staff, clearly pronounces it "Min-see". The name is a corruption of the Welsh word for Monkey -- Mwnci, which is pronounced similar to the English 'Monkey'. It's possible that Adam, who is Welsh, intended a Welsh-style pronunciation for the name that other staffers did not follow.

A Few Famous Myncis

Hubert has been selling hot dogs in Neopia Central for years. He's got a sausage-related treat for every taste, including frozen hot dogs, painted hot dogs, hot dog sundaes and even cucumber sushi hot dogs for vegetarian Neopets.
The popular band M*YNCI is, as the name suggests, entirely composed of Myncis. They appear to be known mainly for their voices and good looks, as none of them play any instruments. What the star in their name represents, no-one knows. You can see them at the Tyrannian Concert Hall.
Master Vex is an expert at the game Cellblock, which he himself invented. He has been on both sides of the dungeon bars of the Darigan Citadel, as jailer and prisoner, due to shifting allegiances during the floating city's two wars.
Myncha is one of the elders of Tyrannia, and worked on reconnaissance during wartime. Now the country is at peace again, he's mostly to be found playing Go! Go! Go!
Altador Cup fans can watch out for Mynci players Foltaggio (Team Altador) and Volgoth (Team Mystery Island).