Sea Monkeys: Tiny Aquatic Pets Celebrate Their Quirky Holiday

On May 16th, we celebrate a quirky and little-known holiday called "National Sea Monkey Day." Sea Monkeys, a novelty aquarium pet, were first introduced to the world in 1960 by Harold von Braunhut, an eccentric inventor and marketing genius.

These tiny, ant-like creatures are actually a breed of brine shrimp known as Artemia NYOS. They earned their whimsical name due to their monkey-like tails and their ability to enter a state of cryptobiosis, allowing them to be packaged and sold in a dehydrated form. When the dehydrated eggs are added to water, the Sea Monkeys magically come to life, delighting children and adults alike.

National Sea Monkey Day is a celebration of these fascinating creatures and the joy they bring to people's lives. To honor this day, enthusiasts might set up a new Sea Monkey tank, share fun facts about these tiny aquatic pets, or even dress up as Sea Monkeys for a bit of silly fun.

Interestingly, Sea Monkeys have even made their way into popular culture. They have been referenced in movies, television shows, and comic strips. In the 1990s, a short-lived Saturday morning cartoon titled "The Amazing Live Sea Monkeys" featured anthropomorphic Sea Monkeys living in a fictional town called Nitro City.

So, on this May 16th, take a moment to appreciate these peculiar, yet endearing creatures and the joy they have brought to generations of curious minds. Happy National Sea Monkey Day!
2025-05-16T09:51:24.510Z