Sea-Monkeys

(Image credit: Hans Hillewaert)

Brine shrimp, also known as Sea-Monkeys, are a type of sea creature. Sea-Monkeys were first sold in the 50's. Sea-Monkeys are sold in packets of dust. These creatures are created using a proprietary process.

They are not monkeys. The journal American Entomologist states that Artemia NYOS is a hybrid breed of brine shrimp and Sea-Monkeys. Sea-Monkeys are novelty aquarium pets.

There are a lot of related articles.

Sea-Monkeys was inspired by a trip to a pet store. Von Braunhut wondered if brine shrimp could be used to teach kids about nature. Experiments were conducted to find ways to preserve the brine shrimp.

The creatures, which have vaguely monkey-like tails, are derived from crustaceans. Tardigrades can enter in times of adverse environmental conditions when they are in a suspended animation. Creatures can stay in this state for a long time.

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yellow brine shrimp in green water

A closeup of a Sea-Monkey brine shrimp. (Image credit: Nora Peevy/Getty)

Sea-Monkeys look lifeless when a person purchases them. The Sea-Monkeys emerge when the dust is put into a tank. According to the Microscopy Society of America, they grow rapidly over the next few weeks on a diet of yeast and spirulina.

Sea-Monkeys are born with one eye and grow up with two more. They breathe through their feet. They are capable of reproducing sexually or asexually.

yellow and translucent closeup of brine shrimp eyes and antenna

A closeup of the closely related species, Artemia salina, which typically lives in highly salty environments such as brine pools. (Image credit: NNehring/Getty)

The Sea-Monkeys are not found in nature. According to a book, Artemia NYOS are a hybrid of Artemia salina.

Artemia salina are found in brine pools. They have the same limbs as Sea-Monkeys. Artemia salina eggs can last for a long time when they are freeze dried.

Additional resources

The British Ecological Society published a publication about brine shrimp. The Sea-Monkey Handbook is a good place to start looking after Sea-Monkeys.