How to Tell if Your Sea Monkey Is Dying

Since the 1970s, sea monkeys have been a fun and entertaining novelty pet. Actually a type of shrimp, they are low-maintenance pets that are easy and rewarding to raise. A healthy sea monkey can live up to two years. But like any other pet, sea monkeys will die from neglect, improper care, illness or old age.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Sea monkey food
  • Straw or plant for aeration
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your sea monkeys. If they are sluggish or their shells are beginning to turn black, they could be dying. However, certain environmental causes can also make sea monkeys less lively or look unusual, so don̵7;t despair just yet.

    • 2

      Take the water̵7;s temperature. The perfect temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The solution may be as easy as moving the tank away from a window, air conditioning vent or radiator.

    • 3

      Check to see whether the problem is food. Look at the tank for cloudy water and check your sea monkeys for black stripes down their back, which means their digestive tracts are full. These signs indicate the sea monkeys have been overfed. Stop feeding them until the tank is clear again, and wait for the black stripe to disappear before feeding them again. No black stripe and clear water may indicate they̵7;re hungry.

    • 4

      Aerate the tank to ensure your sea monkeys get enough air. You can do this by swishing water back and forth from container to container or by inserting a straw in the water and blowing bubbles into it. Another option is to leave a small aquatic potted plant in the tank.

    • 5

      Put the tank in indirect sunlight. Sea monkeys love sun. If there are no other problems, sunlight should get them playing and frolicking pretty quickly. Don̵7;t put them in direct sunlight, though; this can kill them.

    • 6

      Accept that your sea monkey may be dying if, after following all of these suggestions, they continue to look listless and discoloration spreads. But don't give up hope. Continue to care for your sea monkey as long as it is alive. You never know when it might take a turn for the better.