Fun Sea-Monkey facts.

By LISA CHINN

Date published: 5/16/2004

Sea-Monkeys may be mysterious, but they're also a lot of fun. Enjoy these entertaining tidbits about "the world's only instant pets."

Vocalist Liz Phair croons over Sea-Monkeys in her song "Gunshy," as do the Pixies in their tune "Palace of the Brine."

According to the TV Tome Web site, "The Amazing Live Sea Monkeys" TV series, which starred Howie Mandel, aired on CBS from September through November of 1992. Even Sea-Monkeys, which are guaranteed to live at least two years, have a longer life span.

Actress and model Brooke Shields kept a tank of Sea-Monkeys on her windowsill on the set of "Suddenly Susan," according to Susan Barclay's book, "The Ultimate Guide to Sea-Monkeys."

Suggestions for naming your lovely lady Sea-Monkeys, courtesy of Barclay, include Seamantha, Crustacea, Maureen (say it quickly and it sounds like "marine") and Mi-shell.

A group of Sea-Monkeys is called a "squall."

Distinguishing between male and female Sea-Monkeys takes a trained eye. Males are smaller than females, and have pincers under their chins, which are used for fighting or grabbing. Females carry a brown egg sac on their stomachs.

Sea-Monkeys reproduce sexually and asexually, and mating can last for days at a time.

Watch live footage of Sea-Monkeys fighting, mating and more by logging on to home.coqui.net/menace/ismvideos.htm.

Sea-Monkeys breathe through their feet, and are born with one eye, but grow two more by the time they reach adulthood.

Although they undoubtedly are sold at other area stores, The Free Lance-Star shopped eight discount, drug, toy and crafts stores, and found Sea-Monkeys only at the Central Park Target.

Celebrate Sea-Monkey Appreciation Day with tips from Barclay by logging on to this link to her Web site: seamonkey worship.com/nationalday .htm.

To reach LISA CHINN: 540/374-5424 lchinn@freelancestar.com

Date published: 5/16/2004