Why do sea monkeys have a long tails?

Sea monkeys don't actually have tails in the traditional sense! The long, thin appendage you're thinking of is actually their telson.

Here's what it's for:

* Swimming: The telson acts like a rudder, helping them steer and maintain balance while swimming.

* Sensory: It has sensory bristles that help them detect changes in their environment, like currents and food.

* Egg carrying: Female sea monkeys use their telsons to carry their eggs.

So, while it looks like a tail, it serves a variety of functions crucial to their survival in the water!