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What are Sea Monkeys?

Bronwyn Harris
Bronwyn Harris

Sea Monkeys are a type of Artemia salina, which are a type of brine shrimp. Brine shrimp are a variety of fairy shrimp, or branchiopods, and are not true shrimp. The name "Sea Monkeys" is a brand name for Artemia salina to sell them as novelty gifts or toys. Generations of American children have enjoyed cultivating "families" of Sea Monkeys. They are not as popular as they once were when the fad first hit, but there is still a market for Sea Monkeys.

Sea Monkeys were first sold by Harold von Braunhut in 1957. He marketed them first called "Instant Life," and five years later, in 1962, renamed them "Sea Monkeys." Sea Monkey kits are still sold today in various forms. The original "Ocean View" tank is still sold, as well as many other Sea Monkey products. The company that makes Sea Monkeys is called Educational Insights.

Frog
Frog

In 1972, U.S. Patent number 3,673,986 was issued for "hatching brine shrimp or similar crustaceans in tap water to give the appearance of instantaneous hatching." They were advertised commonly in comic books in the 1970s. The drawings had the Sea Monkeys looking like a cross between humans, monkeys, and possibly aliens, bearing no resemblance at all to brine shrimp.

Sea Monkeys were special because in some environments that are not hard to come by, they are in a state of cryptobiosis or suspended animation which occurs naturally for them. When they are put in their aquarium the sea monkey's temporary loss of all vital functions ends, and they hatch.

When Sea Monkeys hatch, they are no larger than a small dot. They grow to be between 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (1.27 to 1.91 cm) in length. Then they begin reproducing. Sea Monkeys are able to reproduce both asexually and sexually. There are generally more females than males born, as the males are not always needed for reproduction. They have been used in studies of sexual reproduction and DNA. Sea Monkeys generally live for about one year, but the Sea Monkey colony is sustainable for two years or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are Sea Monkeys?

Sea Monkeys are a hybrid breed of brine shrimp, scientifically known as Artemia NYOS, created in the 1950s. They are a type of crustacean that undergoes cryptobiosis, allowing their eggs to remain viable for extended periods before hatching when introduced to water. These fascinating creatures are often sold as novelty aquarium pets.

How long do Sea Monkeys live?

Under optimal conditions, Sea Monkeys can live up to two years. Their lifespan is influenced by factors such as water quality, temperature, and available food. Regular maintenance of their aquatic environment and adherence to feeding instructions can help maximize their longevity.

What do Sea Monkeys eat?

Sea Monkeys consume a specialized diet that typically comes with their kits, consisting of yeast and spirulina. This diet is formulated to provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and health. They can also feed on algae and microorganisms present in their habitat if maintained in a balanced ecosystem.

Can Sea Monkeys be trained?

While Sea Monkeys do not have the cognitive abilities to be trained in the traditional sense, they are known to follow light sources due to their phototactic nature. This behavior can create the illusion of training as they will swim towards a light held next to their aquarium.

Are Sea Monkeys actually monkeys?

No, Sea Monkeys are not monkeys or even related to them. The name "Sea Monkey" is a marketing term used to promote the brine shrimp kits. The term was coined due to the initial tail-like appendages of the shrimp that resemble a monkey's tail and their playful swimming movements.

How do you care for Sea Monkeys?

Caring for Sea Monkeys involves maintaining clean water at a stable temperature, feeding them regularly with their special diet, and ensuring they are not overfed to avoid water contamination. It's also important to keep their environment away from direct sunlight and to aerate the water occasionally to provide sufficient oxygen.

Discussion Comments

Reminiscence

My Sea Monkeys never seemed to live more than a few months, and they never got much bigger than a dot. A friend of mine did buy all of those food packs and other accessories, so he managed to raise a few to what I guess was adulthood. He brought the last survivor into "show and tell" and we all looked at the only grown-up Sea Monkey in our town. It looked nothing like the picture in comic books. It looked more like an insect.

Cageybird

I have to admit I fell for the Sea Monkeys hype as a kid. The ads in comic books made me believe I would have these wonderful little amphibian pets that swam around in their own little kingdom. Was I ever surprised when I mixed everything together and the result were tiny little dots floating in a plastic aquarium. The only magic trick they ever did was run away from a flashlight. I was so disappointed, but my parents reminded me about all the begging and pleading I did to get them.

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