Chocolate Chip Star

Chocolate Chip Sea Star (Protoreaster nodosus) – Description & Care Guide

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is a distinctive and eye-catching starfish named for the brown, horn-like nodules (resembling chocolate chips) covering its arms. It's a hardy and fascinating species for fish-only or predator tanks—but not reef safe.

🧬 Basic Description

• Scientific Name: Protoreaster nodosus

• Common Names: Chocolate Chip Sea Star, Nodular Sea Star

• Appearance:

  • Beige, gray, or tan body with dark brown to black raised "chips"

  • Five thick arms with pointed tips

• Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) across when fully grown

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Micronesia)

Diet & Feeding

• Natural Diet: Carnivorous scavenger—feeds on sponges, detritus, dead organisms, and sessile inverts

• In Captivity:

  • Feed chopped shrimp, clam, fish, or commercial carnivore foods

  • Place food directly under or near the starfish (they smell it but move slowly)

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per week

Compatibility

• Tankmates:

  • Large, peaceful fish (e.g., tangs, angels)

  • Other non-aggressive echinoderms

  • Avoid: Crabs, puffers, triggers (may nip at the starfish)

  • Not safe with corals, sponges, snails, or anemones

Care Tips

• Acclimation: Must be drip-acclimated slowly (1–2 hours) to prevent osmotic shock

• Handling: Do not expose to air—keep submerged during transfer

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred

• Behavior: Peaceful, but will slowly graze on anything edible

Important Considerations

• Copper Sensitivity: Do not expose to copper-based medications

• No Regeneration: Unlike some starfish, it does not regenerate if damaged

• Sensitive to Water Changes: Sudden salinity or temperature swings can be fatal