“Sea monkeys” are often sold as sea creatures by a variety of companies. But in reality, they are crustaceans—a type of brine shrimp called Artemia salina. Other types of brine shrimp not sold as “sea monkeys” are a very important part of the marine food chain— and as food for fish and people. The sea monkeys you buy also have some strange characteristics. For example, they breathe through their feet; can survive for years without water by hibernating; and are born with one eye, but eventually develop two more.