Chocolate Chip Starfish - Protoreaster nodosus

Chocolate Chip Starfish (Protoreaster nodosus)

The Chocolate Chip Starfish is a large and distinctive marine starfish recognised for its thick, robust body and prominent dark horn-like projections that resemble chocolate chips. Colouration can range from cream and beige to tan, orange or reddish tones, making each individual visually unique. Although hardy compared with many reef starfish, this species is an opportunistic feeder and is not suitable for coral reef aquariums containing delicate sessile invertebrates.

Common Name:
Chocolate Chip Starfish, Horned Sea Star

Scientific Name (Latin):
Protoreaster nodosus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Chocolate Chip Starfish occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific marine environments and is commonly associated with shallow lagoons, sandy reef flats, seagrass areas and sheltered coastal habitats.

It spends much of its time moving slowly across sand, rubble and other bottom surfaces while searching for food.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

Chocolate Chip Starfish are peaceful towards fish but are opportunistic feeders and may consume a wide range of sessile marine organisms.

Their compatibility concerns relate primarily to feeding behaviour rather than aggression.

Diet:
Omnivore / Scavenger

The Chocolate Chip Starfish feeds on detritus, carrion and a variety of benthic organisms.

In the aquarium, offer suitably sized pieces of prawn, mussel, clam, cockle, squid and other marine-based foods. Sinking foods can be placed close to the starfish to ensure it receives adequate nutrition.

Regular supplementary feeding is important, particularly in clean aquariums where naturally occurring food is limited.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 200 litres

A spacious aquarium with plenty of open substrate is recommended, particularly as adults can reach around 30 cm across.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Chocolate Chip Starfish spends much of its time moving slowly across the substrate, rockwork and aquarium surfaces while searching for food.

It may climb onto rocks and other structures but generally benefits from having broad areas of open sand or fine substrate available.

Its prominent dark projections are a characteristic feature of the species and become particularly noticeable as the starfish matures.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Chocolate Chip Starfish should not be considered reef safe.

It may feed on soft corals, sponges, anemones and other sessile invertebrates, making it unsuitable for conventional coral reef displays.

It is better suited to fish-only or carefully planned marine systems where vulnerable sessile invertebrates are absent.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of open substrate.

Stable salinity is especially important for echinoderms, and careful acclimation is strongly recommended when introducing the starfish.

Avoid sudden changes in salinity, temperature or other water parameters.

Copper-based medications must never be used in an aquarium containing this species.

Regular supplementary feeding should be provided rather than relying entirely on scavenging.

Avoid housing the Chocolate Chip Starfish with known echinoderm predators, including some triggerfish, puffers and large predatory wrasses.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.