Are sea monkeys real?

Sea monkeys are real animals, but they aren't real monkeys -- in fact, these tiny creatures are a type of crustacean. They're brine shrimp who got their widely recognizable name thanks to a commercial venture that brought the little animals into the homes of millions. read more

They were initially called"Instant Life" and sold for $0.49, but von Braunhut changed the name to"Sea-Monkeys" in 1962. The new name was based on the supposed resemblance of the animals' tails to those of monkeys, and their salt-water habitat. read more

Decades after the toy-pet hybrid first hit shelves, Amazing Live Sea-Monkeys is making headlines again—this time thanks to a"David and Goliath" trademark lawsuit between onetime Sea-Monkeys heir Yolanda Signorelli von Braunhut and Big Time Toys, which claims to have full ownership of the empire. read more

Sea-Monkeys is a brand name for brine shrimp—a group of crustaceans that undergo cryptobiosis—sold in hatching kits as novelty aquarium pets. Developed in the United States in 1957 by Harold von Braunhut, the product was heavily marketed, especially in comic books, and remains a presence in popular culture. read more