.png)
Jon Hicks currently holds the record for having the 'largest Sea-Monkey colony in the world'.
The father-of-two from the US is the man behind YouTube channel 'Sea-Monkey Dude' where he showcases how you can build your very own colony at home.
Back in the 60s and 70s, these little packets of brine shrimp quickly became a cultural phenomenon around the world.
Advert
Fast forward to the present day, and Jon is as passionate as ever about his hobby.
This is all while juggling work life, supporting the Google Android sales team as a Training Manager out in Michigan.
As well as looking after his house dog and five cats, he also happens to have over 3,000 Sea-Monkey pets.
"I have multiple colonies going right now... seven or eight. The largest one is in a 16-gallon aquarium," he told LADbible.
Advert
"The whole colony was created using Sea-Monkey brand packets and I created this colony towards the beginning of 2022.
"I estimate around 3,000 in there when we submitted for the record."
With plans to raise '5,500+ individual pets', Jon has revealed what his biggest concern is.
"The biggest thing is water contaminants," he admitted. "I never use or recommend using tap water.
Advert
"It's all controlled by local governments so is inconsistent region to region.
"I recommend using bottled distilled water or bottled spring water. You also shouldn't use any aerosol sprays near the tanks."
Though he also noted that 'Sea-Monkeys' biggest threats are probably overfeeding and being spilled'.
"My sister spilled mine on the carpet once when we were kids and I still tease her about it," Jon said.
Advert
"I was really p*ssed at her then. I've seen some people try to make larger tanks without doing any research and they get the salt levels off. That's a threat too I guess."
Meanwhile, Jon said the support from his family has been great - although his wife does like to take the mick now and again.
"My wife is pretty supportive but still teases me about it a little too. My kids like the Sea-Monkeys and think that it's cool that I'm a 'YouTuber'.
"It's not my main source of income or anything, but they still think it's cool. My extended family doesn't really ask about the Sea-Monkeys much.
Advert
"I've always done things a little differently in life and I think my family is used to that at this point.
"Some of my friends think it's pretty cool and a few have even started raising Sea-Monkeys!
"I don't really talk about the hobby much at work."
On how he wants his colony to grow in the future, Jon added: "I plan to start the big 30 gallon tank soon.
"That will be fun. I'll keep buying the new Sea-Monkey branded products as they come out.
"I'll keep making unboxing and review videos.
"There are still vintage Sea-Monkey sets that I want for my collection too."
To learn more, you can visit Sea-Monkey Dude's YouTube channel.
Anish Vij