What Are Sea Monkeys? Discover the World’s Second Easiest Pet

A Parent’s Guide to Sea Monkeys

When was the last time you thought about Sea-Monkeys? It’s been a while, right? We’d like to change that. Sea-Monkeys may just be the simplest first pet a child could have, and surprisingly, they’ve maintained their popularity through the years. Much like many trends from the ’90s, these little aquatic creatures are once again capturing the attention of today’s kids.

Kids have an innate desire for pets, even if they can’t keep their rooms tidy or remember to brush their teeth. So, when your child begs for a pet, you might feel tempted to say no. But perhaps it’s easier to agree, especially if you can choose the pet! (Cue the wicked laugh.) Ideal pets for busy parents require minimal effort and can endure a day of neglect. While fish often come to mind as a beginner pet, let’s not overlook other options, such as a pet rock or, of course, Sea-Monkeys. Seriously, both need almost no maintenance!

Now that we’ve got your gears turning, here’s what you need to know before you spend around $10.

What Exactly Are Sea-Monkeys?

The common question that follows is, “Aren’t Sea-Monkeys just brine shrimp?” Well, sort of. They are actually an “artificial hybrid” of brine shrimp engineered to undergo a process called “cryptobiosis.” The powder in your Sea-Monkey kit contains brine shrimp eggs in a dormant state. Once you mix that powder with purified water, they begin to hatch and grow in their new environment. Before long, you’ll have these little creatures swimming around, eating, growing, and reproducing—all from a single shake of a packet.

What Do Sea-Monkeys Eat?

Sea-Monkeys have minimal dietary needs. They generally feed on two basic ingredients that should be included in your Sea-Monkey kit: yeast and spirulina. This means you won’t have to make any special trips to a pet store to keep them alive.

Are Sea-Monkeys Dangerous?

There’s no need to worry about your Sea-Monkeys being harmful. They are perfectly safe for both humans and the environment. Even if a Sea-Monkey accidentally finds its way down the drain or into your drink, there’s no threat. They can’t survive outside of water and certainly won’t bite. Remember, they’re just tiny shrimp.

What’s the Life Cycle of a Sea-Monkey Like?

Given that your Sea-Monkeys start as dust, it’s no surprise they only grow to about half an inch long. Throughout their lives, they develop from having one eye to three. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually, requiring very little effort from you to keep the Sea-Monkey family growing. Even if a female Sea-Monkey dies, her eggs can continue to hatch. Pretty impressive, right?

How Long Do They Live?

According to the official Sea-Monkeys website, these creatures can live for up to a year. However, due to their unique survival abilities, it’s common for a tank to thrive for up to five years. Will you still have the same Sea-Monkeys on Day 1825 that you had on Day One? Probably not. But since they all look alike, your child is unlikely to get too attached, making it easier when it’s time for a few to pass on.

Of course, they will occasionally find deceased Sea-Monkeys, which can be a bit sad. To remedy this, some people suggest buying regular brine shrimp from a pet store to discreetly replace them when needed.

Are Sea-Monkeys Edible?

Yes, brine shrimp are technically edible. However, they offer no nutritional value and are so small that you might as well just drink them. Gag.

What If My Kid Thinks They’re Boring?

Name a pet that isn’t sometimes boring. Your cat probably ignores you half the day, and your dog may no longer enjoy walks. Sure, Sea-Monkeys swim around in their tank, but they are light-reactive! By using a small flashlight, you can encourage them to move or swim in circles. Not as exciting as a cat chasing a laser pointer, but still entertaining. Plus, you can impress your kid by telling them these creatures breathe through their feet.

Why Are They Called Sea-Monkeys?

They’re neither monkeys nor do they live in the sea. The name comes from their origin. In 1957, Harold Greenfield discovered overlooked brine shrimp in a pet store and saw a chance to teach kids about nature. After experimenting, he introduced them as “Instant Life” in 1960. However, he later decided on the adorable name “Sea-Monkeys” due to their cute tails.

Where Can I Buy Sea-Monkeys?

You can find Sea-Monkeys at most toy or pet stores, including major retailers like Target or Walmart, as well as online at the original Sea-Monkeys website.

How to Differentiate Between Male and Female Sea-Monkeys?

Once you activate your Sea-Monkeys, your child might want to know which are male and which are female. Males are typically smaller and females have an egg sack, making them rounder around the belly.

Can Sea-Monkeys Live in Space?

If your child is dreaming about outer space, they’ll be pleased to know Sea-Monkeys can survive there! In 1996, astronaut John Glenn took 400 million Sea-Monkey eggs on a space mission. After being in space for nine days, they hatched perfectly fine when returned to Earth.

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In summary, Sea-Monkeys are a fun and low-maintenance pet choice for children. They offer a unique glimpse into the wonders of aquatic life and are safe for the home environment. With minimal care and a fascinating life cycle, they can provide your child with a delightful introduction to pet ownership.