Sea monkeys have been popular pets among children and adults for almost 50 years and are sold in many countries worldwide. Their lively nature not only offers great entertainment but can also help people develop a better understanding of marine life.
A Brief History of Sea Monkeys
These instant pets were first introduced in 1957 by a marketer named Harold van Braunhut. They were initially called “Instant Life” because the eggs hatch instantly when they come into contact with tap water. Later, van Braunhut used a more recognizable name for the creatures called “Sea Monkeys.”
In the 1970s, they were widely marketed in comic books and were inaccurately portrayed as humanoid creatures with crowns on their heads. These appealing drawings helped the creatures gain popularity, and many people became attracted to their strange appearance and playful demeanor.
Later, accessories such as floating balls were added to the sea monkey kit, which initially consisted of only a plastic tank and food packets. Now, a starter kit has a plastic tank, an egg packet, food, and a spoon for measuring food.
Are brine shrimp actually monkeys?
Sea monkeys belong to the genus Artemia, known explicitly as Artemia NYOS. They are actually a hybrid of brine shrimps, and they are created in laboratories.
Unfortunately, sea monkeys are not actually monkeys, like their name suggests. They also do not live in the sea and aren’t technically shrimp. They are a unique type of crustacean distantly related to brine shrimp, which are most commonly found in salt lakes.
How long do sea monkey eggs last?
Before sea monkey eggs are placed in packets and distributed to homes or stores, they undergo the process of “cryptobiosis,” which suspends them in animation. The eggs hatch when released into the water, and sea monkeys appear.
The eggs are so tiny that they’re called “cysts,” which can remain dormant for years. Under the right conditions, however, they will spring back to life.
These fascinating creatures can survive in harsh environments, so they can hatch long after being packaged.
How big are sea monkeys?
Sea monkeys are multicelled creatures that can grow to a length of one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Although tiny, they are one of the largest animals in environments like the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Their closest relatives measure just over 1 cm long.
How many eyes do sea monkeys have, and does it change?
Upon hatching, these microscopic creatures are born with a single middle eye. As they grow, they will gradually develop two more eyes on each side of the original eye before it fades away. This is just another way sea monkeys make for interesting pets!
Can sea monkeys have babies?
The sea monkey’s closest relative, brine shrimp, can reproduce in five distinct ways. Surprisingly, they can switch reproductive strategies based on their environment. They do this by producing live young or laying eggs that survive in harsh conditions for years.
How to Hatch Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys are so popular among pet owners because they are easy to care for. The first thing to do after bringing the sea monkey kit home is to wash the tank with warm water.
Then, distilled or bottled water is used to fill the tank, and the water purifier is put in the tank. Wait for 24 hours before placing the sea monkey eggs into the tank, and then, use a stick to stir the water gently. The eggs should hatch within a day. The tank water should be aerated once every 24 hours.
Use a large container to hold the tank water and pour the water several times between the container and the tank. A small air pump can also be used to aerate the water. After five days, start feeding the sea monkeys using the measuring spoon. After that, they should be fed once every week.
Light + Sea Monkeys = Tricks!
One thing that makes sea monkeys endearing to their owners is that they can perform tricks. Owners can make them dance and create a whirlpool.
Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight at the tank. Move the flashlight in zigzags and small loops, and the sea monkeys will appear to be dancing when they follow the light. If you turn the flashlight around the tank, the sea monkeys will follow the light and create a whirlpool.
Interestingly, baby sea monkeys are attracted to light, while adults will hide from it. You may notice younger ones gathering near the flashlight beam, while older ones will dart away. As the colony grows, this will change and make for a fascinating light show. All you need is patience and observation to spot the differences in their behavior over time.
Another fun quirk about sea monkeys is their unique swimming style. It’s almost as if they are doing a backstroke upside down. As you watch them, you’ll notice how they glide through the water belly up. It is a fun sight to see! They are fun and relaxing pets to watch. Check out the brief video below to watch them swim.
How Sea Monkeys Help the Environment
Sea monkeys are natural scavengers. They consume leftover food, plant matter, and organic debris that settles at the bottom of their environments. This process helps keep the water clean and reduce waste buildup.
Their essential function helps them maintain a healthier habitat for themselves and benefits other marine life. These tiny crustaceans release nutrients back into the water, which helps support the growth of algae and other microorganisms. This process helps support the foundation of the aquatic food chain.
Sea monkeys and their small relatives, brine shrimp, act as tiny natural recyclers. They work quietly to help support life in their watery homes.
Can Sea Monkeys Reduce Toxic Metals in Water?
Many years ago, Roger Acey, a chemistry professor at California State University, Long Beach, discovered some brine shrimp living in a water solution with a high level of toxic metal. He and his team later learned that the brine shrimp contain a protein that binds to poisonous metals in water.
According to an article in the student newspaper, Acey produced the protein by inserting a cloned gene into bacteria. Plans to use this technology to design and create a water faucet filter were also in the works, although we haven’t seen anything yet, all these years later. Learn more about this in our blog, Sea Monkeys reduce Toxic Metals from your water.
What do Sea Monkeys have to do with filtration?
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and learning about Sea Monkeys. While this strays from our usual content, we want to take the opportunity to remind you how vital the air and water are in your home. Unlike sea monkeys, we cannot thrive in harsh environments, so ensuring you have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink is paramount.
We’re here to help you find the filters to keep your home clean and healthy. The Filters Fast phone number is 866-438-3458, and our email is [email protected]. Reach out to us today for all your home filter needs!
