Protoreaster nodosus

Datasheet

General Description

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star, also known as the Nodular Sea Star or Chocolate Chip Starfish, is instantly recognizable with dark chocolate brown tubercles covering its surface, resembling chocolate chips on a cookie. This sea star, scientifically classified as Protoreaster nodosus, is native to the Indo-Pacific reef region, where it inhabits various depths ranging from shallow lagoons to depths of up to 75 feet.

Aquarium Suitability

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is a desirable addition to a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium due to its charming color pattern, but it is not suitable for reef tanks. It is best kept in large marine aquariums with mild-mannered fish to avoid predatory species that may harm it due to its slow movement.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This sea star has an easy care level but requires particular attention to water quality, necessitating a large aquarium with high water quality standards to thrive. It is crucial to maintain low nitrate levels as the Chocolate Chip Sea Star is sensitive to poor water conditions. Avoid exposure to copper-based and anti-parasitic medications, and drip acclimation is highly recommended due to its sensitivity to rapid water chemistry changes.

Reef Suitability

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is not recommended for reef tanks as it is not reef-compatible and will feed on soft corals, sponges, tubeworms, clams, and other starfish.

Aquarium Setup

To replicate its natural habitat, provide a large aquarium with a mature sand bed several inches deep. Ensure the tank has a stable salinity between 1.023-1.025, pH levels of 8.1-8.4, and carbonate hardness (KH) between 8-12 for optimal conditions. Including trace elements in the water and maintaining consistent water parameters is essential for the well-being of the Chocolate Chip Sea Star.

Behavior

This peaceful sea star moves slowly across surfaces in search of food and may consume chopped clams, shrimp, and squid in a home aquarium setting. It grows up to a maximum diameter of 7.6 cm and can exhibit various color variations based on its geographic location.

Feeding and Diet

As a carnivorous species, the Chocolate Chip Sea Star's diet consists of chopped clams, shrimp, and squid, providing essential nutrients for its health and vitality.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Distinguishing between male and female Chocolate Chip Sea Stars is challenging, making breeding in an aquarium setting extremely difficult.

Habitat and Distribution

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star is found in the Indo-Pacific reef region, inhabiting shallow lagoons and depths up to 75 feet. Its distribution spans various geographical areas, leading to color variations ranging from light to reddish-brown, blue, white, or yellow based on its origin.