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National Sea Monkey Day

Make a splash this National Sea Monkey Day! Get your own pet sea monkeys and have fun watching them explore their new home.

Sunday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYSmall Pets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate National Sea Monkey Day on May 16th! This day celebrates one of the most beloved aquatic creatures in the world – sea monkeys. These small, shrimp-like animals have been around since the 1950s and have been a source of fascination for kids and adults alike. Sea monkeys are easy to care for, require no special equipment, and can live up to five years or more. They can be kept in a bowl or tank with other fish and plants, making them an ideal pet for those who don't have much space. Celebrate this fun holiday by getting your own sea monkey tank or watching a few videos about these interesting creatures online!

TIMELINE

National Sea Monkey Day Timeline

Sea Monkeys' Birth

Harold von Braunhut invented Sea Monkeys, a novelty product that includes brine shrimp eggs which hatch when added to water.

Sea Monkeys Trademarked

Harold von Braunhut and partners trademarked the term "Sea Monkeys", solidifying the brand.

Instant Life Formula Improved

Harold von Braunhut enhanced the "Instant Life" formula for Sea Monkeys, ensuring a longer lifespan and easier hatching process.

Sea Monkeys in Space

NASA sent Sea Monkeys to space to study how zero gravity conditions affect their life cycle, making them the first pet from earth to orbit in space.

National Sea Monkey Day Celebration

National Sea Monkey Day is officially observed as a holiday that celebrates these interesting creatures and their impact on popular culture.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Sea Monkey Day

Build a Sea Monkey habitat

Gather some aquarium gravel, rocks, plants, and water and build the perfect environment for your Sea Monkeys. Make sure the temperature is just right too!

HOST

Host a Sea Monkey party

Invite your friends over and make some special treats for your Sea Monkeys. Serve some shrimp cocktail, cucumber slices, and other ocean-friendly snacks.

CREATE

Create a Sea Monkey art project

Grab some paint, construction paper, and markers and create some art projects with your Sea Monkeys. Hang them up around the house as a reminder of your special day.

Go on a Sea Monkey scavenger hunt

Gather some fun prizes and hide them around the house. Have your Sea Monkeys help you find the prizes and create a special reward for them when they're done.

PLAY

Play Sea Monkey trivia

Test your knowledge of Sea Monkeys by playing trivia games online or by creating your own fun questions. See who can answer the most questions correctly!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Sea Monkey Day

Sea Monkeys teach responsibility

Taking care of a pet can be a great educational experience for kids. It teaches them responsibility and instills the importance of caring for another living creature. With Sea Monkeys, kids will learn how to feed and care for an animal while having lots of fun along the way!

Sea monkeys are fun to watch

Sea monkeys have captivated kids and adults alike for decades, and they make great pets that are easy to take care of. Watching them swim around in their tank is sure to be a source of entertainment - especially if you add things like decorative gravel and sea plants!

Sea monkeys are low maintenance

Unlike other pets, sea monkeys don't need daily walks or cleanup after. They also live in small tanks, so they won't take up too much space in your home. In addition, keeping them clean is as simple as changing out their water once every two weeks.

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