Why are they called Sea-Monkeys?

They were initially called "Instant Life" and sold for $0.49, but von Braunhut changed the name to "Sea-Monkeys" in 1962. The new name was based on their salt-water habitat, together with the supposed resemblance of the animals' tails to those of monkeys.

Are Sea-Monkeys actually alive?

Sea-monkeys are both living creatures and a manufactured product.

Are Sea-Monkeys actually shrimp?

Sea-Monkeys are brine shrimp, but not brine shrimp like you'll find anywhere in nature. They're a hybrid breed called Artemia NYOS invented in 1957 by Harold von Braunhut.

Are Sea-Monkeys actually Monkeys?

Sea-monkeys is the brand name given to a species called Artemia NYOS (named after the New York Oceanic Society, at whose lab they were made). They were bred from different brine shrimp species, then marketed as 'instant' pets. They don't exist in nature.

Do Sea-Monkeys have brains?

For starters, sea monkey brains are very basic. It affords them simple reflexive behaviours (e.g. to light, food, mating) but not much else. Following several scholars, they are not even able to experience pain due to their lack of a neocortex.

The Dark Truth Behind Sea Monkeys

Does Sea-Monkey bite?

So you can put all your horrible delusions of Sea-Monkeys burrowing into your skin to rest. They can't survive outside of water or bite humans. Remember, they're just tiny shrimp.

Can Sea-Monkeys mate?

Sea-Monkeys reproduce like other advanced animal species. A male Sea-Monkey and a female Sea-Monkey mate sexually, and thus new life is created.

How long will Sea-Monkeys live?

Their lifespan can be up to one year and we have had many customer who keep their Sea Monkey® colonies alive for as much as 5 years. Sea Monkeys® are the fun lovable little creatures that are too small to hug , but are highly enjoyable .

How big can Sea-Monkeys get?

“Great question! Sea Monkeys are really Brine Shrimp. They grow to be about 1 inch long and basically they just float around on their backs.

Do Sea-Monkeys play?

While the pets might ignore the rocks at first, they quickly learn how to play on the rocks and use them for recreation. Mix newer sea monkeys with an older batch of sea monkeys that already do tricks or play in the water.

Are Aqua Dragons and Sea-Monkeys the same?

Like Sea-Monkeys, Aqua Dragons are brine shrimp — a species of aquatic crustacean. The difference between Sea-Monkeys and Aqua Dragons lies only in the brand name, similar to the difference between Coke and Pepsi, Aqua Dragons explained on the company website.

Do Sea-Monkeys swim upside down?

Can seamonkeys swim upside down? Yes they can - they breathe through their feet and when they want more oxygen they will swim upside down. In fact fairy shrimps which are family of the seamonkeys always swim upside down.

Are Sea-Monkeys fairy shrimp?

These are not shrimp at all, but belong to the crustacean class Branchiopoda, in the order Anostraca. Usually between 6 to 25 mm long, they have paired eyes and from 14 to 16 pairs of legs used both for locomotion and to stir up water currents around their gills to aid breathing.

How long until Sea-Monkeys are full grown?

Under the correct conditions Sea-Monkeys can grow rapidly. They have more than a dozen life stages where they'll molt between each stage. With warm temperatures, well oxygenated water and enough food they'll grow to adulthood in a little over a week. With less attention it will take at least six weeks.

Do I need to clean Sea-Monkey tank?

You can switch to feeding your sea monkeys once a week once green algae begins to form and build up in the tank. You should also not worry about cleaning the tank once the algae starts to develop. The tank may look green and full of algae, but it is actually very healthy and good for your sea monkeys that way.

How much did Sea-Monkeys make?

Sea-Monkeys were von Braunhut's most lucrative toy (and still are: In 2006, according to the filings of this lawsuit, sales were at $3.4 million). Part of what made Sea-Monkeys successful was a scientific breakthrough Harold Von Braun claimed he achieved in the early years.

What were Sea-Monkeys in the 70s?

To be specific, they are Artemia Salina (brine shrimp) which were thought of as mere fish food for many years until Harold von Braunhut – a man who is famous among toy enthusiasts for inventing X-Ray Specs – discovered these marvels of the sea.

Is it cruel to keep Sea-Monkeys?

No, it's not cruel. They are just a brine shrimp in the same family as sea fleas. It's no more cruel than killing an ants nest in your kitchen.

What are the black dots in my Sea-Monkey tank?

Sea-Monkey Illness

A sick Sea-Monkey may stop swimming, change colors or develop strange body markings. Sea-Monkeys whose tanks develop black spots need to be treated with medicine called "Sea Medic," or they will die.

Do Sea-Monkeys lay eggs?

The real life of sea monkeys (brine shrimp, or Artemia) is a pretty far cry from Ozzie and Harriet. Sea monkeys don't live in families, for one thing. And in a lot of populations, the females have no need for males. Their eggs can develop into healthy embryos–and, eventually, adults–without the need of sperm.

What is the ball on my Sea-Monkey?

The females have a lump on their abdomen which is a egg sack. They are brown but most are different browns. The babies are much smaller than the adults. Most of the females are larger than the males.

How do you make Sea-Monkeys live longer?

Aerate your tank regularly.

Aeration is one of the most important things in caring for and keeping your sea monkeys alive. Aerating is the process in which oxygen is added to the water of the tank. Your sea monkeys need oxygen-rich water to survive and thrive.

How often do you feed Sea-Monkeys?

Do not stir. Feed one level scoop of food from the Sea-Monkey® Feeding Spoon” once a week. To feed baby Sea-Monkeys ® use the small cup on the feeding spoon. To feed adult Sea-Monkeys® use the large cup.

What age are Sea-Monkeys for?

Sea-Monkeys Original Instant Life - Best for Ages 3 to 12.