zinos

Zinos are a fictional genus of small, mammal-like creatures that appear in speculative fiction and worldbuilding materials. The name is used in various works, and there is no real-world species by that name. In most depictions, zinos are diminutive and agile, roughly the size of a domestic cat or a large ferret, with soft fur, rounded ears, and large, forward-facing eyes. Descriptions of their coloration and markings vary; common traits include a long tail and well-developed hind limbs suitable for climbing and hopping.

Zinos are typically portrayed as highly adaptable and social. They may inhabit forests, grasslands, and human-made ruins, often living in tree hollows, crevices, or subterranean burrows. They rely on a combination of vocal communication and subtle social cues; some authors also attribute limited telepathic or pheromonal signaling to groups of zinos.

Diet is generally omnivorous in fiction, including fruits, seeds, insects, and small prey. Reproduction and life history vary by source, but many portray zinos as capable breeders with small litters and relatively short gestation periods, enabling rapid population growth in favorable conditions.

As a fictional concept, zinos have no formal scientific taxonomy. They are commonly used in role-playing games, online encyclopedias, and fan fiction to explore themes of community, adaptation, and coexistence with humans or other species.