⭐ Chocolate Chip Sea Star (Protoreaster nodosus)
⭐ Chocolate Chip Sea Star Protoreaster nodosus
Knobby • Hardy • Not Reef Safe
📋 The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is a distinctive and hardy echinoderm, instantly recognizable for the dark, raised “chips” along its arms. These bumpy projections serve as a defense mechanism against predators.
Best suited to fish-only or FOWLR aquariums, it is not reef safe as it may feed on corals, sponges, and other sessile invertebrates. In the right environment, this species is long-lived and low maintenance, making it an attractive and unusual addition for display tanks.
It thrives in stable, mature aquariums with ample sandy substrate and open rockwork for movement.
💡 Highlights
🍫 Knobby “Chocolate Chip” Projections – Unique appearance
⚠️ Not Reef Safe – May eat soft corals and sponges
🐚 Bottom Dweller – Prefers sandy substrate
🧠 Hardy & Long-Lived – Up to 10 years in captivity
🌊 Needs Stable Conditions – Sensitive to rapid changes
🧾 A Quick Look at the Chocolate Chip Sea Star
📛 Common Name: Chocolate Chip Sea Star, Knobby Sea Star
🔬 Scientific Name: Protoreaster nodosus
👨👩👧 Family: Oreasteridae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, Barrier Reef)
📏 Max Size: 30 cm (12 inches)
💧 pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 27°C (75 – 81°F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful (but may prey on sessile inverts)
🪸 Reef Safe: ⚠️ No – may eat soft corals, sponges, and other inverts
🏠 Min Tank Size: 200 L (55+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller
🧬 Captive Bred: No
🌿 Wild Caught: Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – detritus, sponges, bivalves, and more
🐣 Reproduction: Broadcast spawner
