Marine Monsters® (scientific name: Artenia salina) is a variant of brine shrimp which have existed for hundreds of millions of years. How were they able to survive for so long? The answer is their eggs. The Marine Monsters® eggs can remain in the cryptobiotic state or “sleep mode” for up to many years! They can resist extremely hot or cold temperatures as well as very dry conditions. When released into water that meets the conditions needed for the Marine Monsters® to survive, they leave this state and emerge from their cysts. Once your Marine Monsters® eggs have hatched, you will see them grow very quickly. That’s why they are called “The Incredible Real Live”!