Sea monkeys, marketed as “Instant Life” or “Amazing Live Sea Monkeys,” are fascinating and unique novelty pet that has captivated children’s and adults’ imaginations for decades. Even though they may sound like mythical creatures from the deep, sea monkeys are a kind of brine shrimp named Artemia nyos.
Table of Content
- What are Sea-Monkeys?
- A History of Sea Monkeys
- How to Care For Sea Monkeys
- Biology of Sea Monkeys
- Facts of Sea Monkeys
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What are Sea-Monkeys?
Sea monkeys, often marketed as “Instant Life” or “Amazing Live Sea Monkeys,” are a type of novelty aquarium pet. They are not monkeys but a type of brine shrimp known as Artemia nyos.
A History of Sea Monkeys
Harold von Braunhut discovered sea monkeys. Milton Levine popularized ant farms in 1956. Harold von Braunhut developed a product based on brine shrimp the following year, in 1957. To establish the ideal combination of nutrients and chemicals in dry form that could be put into regular tap water to create a favorable environment for the shrimp to thrive, Von Braunhut worked with a marine biologist named Anthony D’Agostino. On July 4, 1972, Von Braunhut received a patent for this method.
Von Braunhut renamed them “Sea-Monkeys” in 1962 after initially calling them “Instant Life” and charging $0.49 for them. The new name was given to the animals in honor of their saltwater environment and then alleged monkey-tail likeness.
Through the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s, comic book artist Joe Orlando’s paintings were heavily used to promote Sea-Monkeys. These depicted human-like creatures that had nothing in common with the crabs. The differences and the short lifespan of the animals left many buyers unsatisfied.
How to Care For Sea Monkeys
The “Water Purifier” packet’s contents are added to a water tank to begin a colony. This packet comprises brine shrimp eggs, and then water conditioner, and salt. This is supplemented after 24 hours with the contents of a package labeled “Instant Life Eggs,” which includes additional eggs, yeast, borax, soda, salt, some food, and then occasionally a dye. Soon after, the eggs in the “Water Purifier” packet hatch into baby sea monkeys. Then, “growth food” of yeast and spirulina is added every seven days. The ideal hatching temperature is between 24 and 27 °C (75 and 81 °F). Although they are unnecessary for the sea monkeys’ welfare, and then additional pouches are available on the official website.
The typical life period of Artemia is two to three months. Sea monkeys kept as pets have been known to live up to five years in optimal living conditions. Additionally, sea monkeys are utilized in scientific studies. They are frequently used as model organisms to research developmental biology, genetics, and then toxicology since they are simple to breed and care for.
Biology of Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys, often sold as “instant pets,” are not actual monkeys but are a brand name for a type of marine shrimp called Artemia. Following are some details about the biology of sea monkeys:
Depending on the specific strain, sea monkeys are a type of brine shrimp known specifically as Artemia salina or Artemia nios. These tiny crustaceans belong to the phylum Arthropoda and class Branchiopoda. Known for their ability to thrive in highly saline conditions, and then sea monkeys have a unique life cycle that includes the following stages:
Sea monkey eggs, often sold in kits as “Instant Life,” are in a dormant state known as a cyst. These cysts can remain viable for many years, even under harsh conditions. When the cysts are introduced into water, they absorb it and start excreting. Hatching is rapid, and then juvenile sea monkeys emerge from the sacs. After hatching, sea monkeys go through several stages of development, and then including the Nauplius larval and immature stages. As they mature, they continue to grow and molt. Sea monkeys reproduce by parthenogenesis, and then where females can produce male eggs without fertilization. This makes them relatively easy.
Facts of Sea Monkeys
- Every year on May 16, people celebrate National Sea Monkey Day to honor these fantastic animals.
- Tails of sea monkeys are used for breathing.
- When they first hatch, they have only one eye, but when fully grown, they have three.
- Translucent sea monkeys are found.
Conclusion
Brine shrimp, sometimes known as sea monkeys, are an unusual and fascinating species with an easy and fun reproductive procedure. This aquatic crustacean has been sold as a novelty pet for many decades. They are not monkeys but small marine creatures that can be raised in small aquariums or containers. Understanding the characteristics, and then conditions of sea monkey reproduction can increase appreciation for these fantastic creatures.
FAQs
What are sea monkeys?
Sea monkeys are hybrid brine shrimp created especially for aquariums in private homes.
Can sea monkeys swim upside down?
They breathe through their legs and swim upside down when they need extra oxygen. Fairy shrimp, and then a family of sea monkeys, always swim upside down.
Should the water be changed?
No, it should be filled only.
Should algae be removed from the tank?
No, unless it becomes a problem. Marine pets like to feed on them, and the algae provide oxygen. Indirect sunlight helps algae grow.
How do you know if sea monkeys are well-fed?
They will later grow a white tail – that’s their pooh… If they get full, their bellies will be black.
